Have you ever thought about what it means to have a real friend? There are certainly a lot of different aspects to consider. A real friend is one you can count on no matter what. One that truly loves you for you and just the way you are. They don’t expect you to be something you’re not just to make themselves happy and believes in you even if you fall short.
I think back to when I was in grade school, I had one really good friend. We did everything together, we went to school together, rode our bicycles all over, climbed every tree in the neighborhood and spent a lot of time down at the crawdad hole fishing for crawdads. We spent almost every day together.
My stepdad had some sheets of old plywood leaning up against the shed out back and a bunch of cinder blocks lying around so we took that stuff and built a ramp at the end of a huge hill that was close to my house. The challenge was to see who could fly the furthest and get the biggest air. Crazy fun times! He was my first best friend.
We moved away when I was twelve and I never saw him again. I pretty much judged any new friendship based on that relationship but as I got older, it was harder for me to build friendships like that because I moved around so much for work. In 2001 I started work at Tinker which kept me at home. Shortly after I started at Tinker, I met what I call a lifelong friend and He has remained my friend ever since . In fact, He is my very best friend!
What is a lifelong friend? Lifelong friends are friends that truly care about each other. They stand with each other through everything. They don’t judge you; they don’t hold your past over your head, and they offer grace beyond what is deserved. They celebrate the good times with you and walk with you when you’re hurting, and they don’t place stipulations on you just to be your friend.
You might be one of the lucky ones that found a lifelong friend. I have found that my relationships last only through a godly friendship or relationship. A godly relationship can last a lifetime and one that is filled with love, joy, peace, and respect for others.
Godly relationships are more apt to last because love is the main ingredient. The key to building that kind of relationship is our willingness to express our love not only through our speech, but also by our actions. Another vital part of any good relationship is our ability to talk to each other. If love is not there and you can’t talk to each other, that relationship will not last!
I shared a little about my first best friend, but now I want to tell you about the friend I met a little over 20 years ago. He gave me a whole new picture of what a friend is supposed to be and has far exceeded even my best ideas of what a real friend should be. Having a friend like this gave me something else that I think we all need more of and that is hope. When I met Him, I was pretty messed up and really needed a friend. He not only gave me hope but gave me a new lease on life and one that I freely share with everyone I meet. I invite everyone to find out for themselves what a real friend looks like and when you finally recognize it, nothing else will do.
The friend I am talking about is Jesus. He is a friend to sinners and does not expect you to be perfect or even clean up before you begin a relationship with Him. He just wants to spend time with you and wants you to want to spend time with Him. He will never lie to you or let you down and will always be there for you.
Jesus changes you into a new person, with a new heart that gives you the ability to love people, even the unlovable. You learn to express your love for others and help them to experience the same kind of relationship you have found. Through a new friendship with Christ, we learn how to communicate our love through our speech and our actions and become much more effective in reaching those who really need Him. When you find that kind of relationship, it truly changes you.
Are looking for a friend like this? If so, it begins with a simple decision. If you are ready to make the best friend you will ever have, then pray this prayer with me:
Dear Lord Jesus,
I am a sinner; I believe you died on a cross for me, to pay for my sins. I believe You died and was buried and on the third day was raised to life again. I need You Lord Jesus; please forgive me for my sins, come into my dark heart and be the Lord of my life. I ask you Father to take full control of my life and I surrender to Your will for my life. I pray that You will live within me all the days of my life.
In Your name I pray Lord Jesus,
Amen
If you have prayed this prayer, congratulations! Jesus is now the Lord of your life and the best friend you will ever know. I can testify to this, Jesus changed my life and I promise you this, if you are looking for a friend, you won’t find one better, He will never let you down.
If you have questions, we are here to help guide you through your journey with Him.
May the Lord bless you all the days of your life.
Love Always
Pastor Ron