October 26: A Chosen Friend
Scripture
You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other.
John 15:14–17 (NLT)
These are the words of Jesus, our Lord. And here we are reminded that He is not only our Master, but also our friend. Pause for a moment and let that truth sink in: Jesus calls you His friend. The Creator of all things, the Savior of the world, chooses to share His heart and His mission with you.
It is humbling to remember that we did not choose Him—He chose us. Before you ever sought Him, He had already set His love upon you. You are loved by God, called by God, and chosen by Him for a purpose. Jesus said, “I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit.” Earlier in this same chapter, He explains that fruit comes only from abiding in Him. Apart from Jesus, we can do nothing of eternal value. But when we remain close to Him, drawing life from His presence, our lives bear fruit that endures.
Friendship with Jesus means walking in obedience to His will and aligning our hearts with the Father’s purposes. It also means living in deep dependence. As we abide in Him, we can approach the Father with confidence, knowing He hears our prayers and delights to respond when we ask in Jesus’ name.
But friendship with Jesus is not only about closeness with Him, it is also about love for others. “This is my command,” He said, “Love each other.” True friendship with Jesus overflows into friendship with one another. The more we abide in Him, the more His love fills and flows through us to those around us.
Reflection
1. What does it mean to you personally that Jesus calls you His friend?
2. In what ways can you remain or abide more closely in Him this week?
3. How can your friendship with Jesus overflow into love and service toward others?
Prayer
Thank Jesus for choosing you and calling you His friend. Ask Him to help you abide in His love each day and to bear fruit that lasts. Pray for a heart that loves others the way He loves you.