And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend – James 2:23.

It was a good meal. The three men said their goodbyes to their host and got up to leave. The men had an agenda and time was of the essence. Abraham walked with his guests to see them off.

The Lord said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?” (Gen. 18:17). That’s how it starts.

The test of friendship is a willingness to share at all times. It builds trust and a right to confidential information.

Abraham started his relationship with God way back in Mesopotamia (Acts 7:2-3). Their relationship developed over the years as God trained Abraham in total obedience. However, it was not until Abraham believed God without evidence that God called him a friend (James 2:23). The scripture says, “Abraham believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness” (Gen. 25:6). Their relationship had been established over the years, and God was comfortable to call Abraham His friend. When Abraham demonstrated his dedication to their friendship by willingly sharing a refreshing meal with Him (Gen. 18:1-8), God promised him Isaac in a year’s time (10). How could God hide anything from Abraham at that point (17)? Abraham had demonstrated faith in God and a willingness to share everything with Him.

Years later, God displayed the level of Abraham’s faith and his willingness to give up everything for their friendship on Mt. Moriah. There, the old Patriarch’s hand was raised to sacrifice Isaac, his only son, to God (22:10). God reciprocated by providing a ram as substitute and revealed Himself as Jehovah Jireh, God who provides (13-14). God foreshadowed the giving of His only Son, Jesus Christ, on the same mountain to take away the sin of the world (14, Jn. 1:29). What a heritage father Abraham has left us through his friendship with God!

Friendship is deep. It is a relationship of mutual respect and trust that develops over time. Circumstances test its authenticity, and exigencies of time refine it. Love is the foundation of friendship and it is revealed by the mutual giving of one’s self and resources.

God has done that for us in Christ Jesus. God has demonstrated His love for the world by sending His Son to die for us (Jn. 3:16). He did that while we were still sinners and powerless (Rm. 5:6-8). Consequently, Jesus calls us, His friends. Because we’re friends, He tells us everything (Jn.15: 15), and He calls us to demonstrate our friendship through obedience (14). Are you a friend of Jesus?

Solomon says that “A friend loves at all times” (Prov. 17:17). So, do you love Jesus at all times and in all circumstances?

Friends tell friends everything without the fear of betrayal. They share everything with no fear of disappointment. Do you have a friend like that? Are you a friend like that to somebody?

Why don’t you start such a relationship with Jesus? He will share everything with you and you can likewise share your heart with Him. That’s friendship and love to share with someone today.

Happy Friends Day