There is no friend like the friend in Jesus. He is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. As I pen these words, I think of the hymn “What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear, what a privilege it is to carry everything to God in prayer.” Notice the word “everything.”  There is nothing we cannot bring to the Lord. He is concerned about every aspect of our lives. He is dependable, reliable, and trustworthy. We can count on Him when we can’t count on anyone else. Thank God for the friends we have in our lives, but they can only do so much. But thanks be to God, the Lord will never leave us nor forsake us! In John 15:13, we find these words:

 “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

Jesus was speaking about the love that He has for us. In verses 9 and 10 He said, “I have loved you even as the father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in His love.” He calls us His “friends” in verse 14, and tells us to “love each other” as He commands in verse 17. Take the time today to thank the Lord for the wonderful friend we have in Jesus.