Did you know that the Bible says that you are a friend of God?

See, but there is a connection here that I never put together until now.

I have no idea how I just noticed this. (Doh!)

All of this is in the book of John, Chapter 15.

There are two parts.

First, an iconic verse about self sacrifice, it says:

These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.

-John 15:11-13 (Amazon)

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” This is a beautiful verse that shows an incredible picture of love in action.

Notice it does not say “mom or dad,” “son or daughter,” or “brother or sister.”

Maybe sacrifice at this level (family) is nearly in our DNA? Something we would do without much hesitation?

Complete sacrifice for a friend – a voluntary relationship that you choose – has something pure about it though.

But all this is followed by this second point:

You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. These things I command you, that you love one another.

-John 15:14-17 (Amazon)

God calls us his friend?! I know. It’s crazy.

We are God’s friend – and giving your life for a friend is the greatest kind of love.

But, see, laying down his life for us is exactly what he did.

A voluntary relationship and a voluntary sacrifice for a friend he loved.

I think that’s just a beautiful picture.