“A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Prov. 18:24, NKJV)

A best friend is one who sticks closer than a brother. Not having had a brother, I think in some ways I have understood this passage, as I have had friends that did stick closer to me than a brother. I appreciate all of them, and hope that in some small way, I have been that kind of friend to them.

As we consider this idea, we also realize that our Lord has allowed us the opportunity for us to be His friends. What are some ways we can show that we are friends of our Lord?

1. In John 15:14 we read “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” (KJV) As we consider this, we need to ask ourselves if we really are Jesus’ friends. Do we keep His commandments? Can he count on us to do what He says? Are we friends to Him that sticks closer than a brother? Can the world, but especially our Lord, tell that we are His friends because we do His will, and not ours? It does show.

2. Earlier, in the same passage, we read these words “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13, KJV). Jesus has shown us that He is more than willing to be our friend, in that He willingly and freely gave His life for us. And, He demands that we be willing to give our lives for one another as well (1 John 3:16).

This truly demands that we love one another. It is simple to talk about, but from what the Bible says about it, love is a hard command to obey, sometimes. It means that I must be willing to get out of my comfort zone and help those in need. It means that I love you enough to give my life for you. Do I love this much? Are you my friends? Am I yours?

3. Friends share privileged information. In John 15:15 we read, “Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.” (KJV). Our friend Jesus has made known to us what the Father want us to know. He wants us to love and honor His Father as Our Father, and He wants us to know that Our Father loves us. He wants us to get into the mind of God as much as we can (1 Corinthians 2:12-14). It continues to amaze me that my Heavenly Father wants me to know all I can about Him. Are we His friends when it comes to our knowledge of His will?

4. Earlier in John 15, Jesus was talking about the relationship the disciples has with Him, by comparing them to branches in the vine. He is the vine, we are the branches, and Jesus says that to be His disciples we must bear fruit (John 15:8). It is later that he stresses that disciples are His friends if they are obedient to His commands. So again, we ask the question — Do we bear fruit? We will if we are following Him daily!

In looking at this passage, we often stress that the fruit here is other Christians. But that would make Christians bearing branches, not fruit. Included with this would be all the fruit Christians should bear (Galatians 5:22-23).

5. Finally, best friends talk to one another. Should it not be the case that we talk with our very best friend every day? Should we not “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)?

We sing “I’ll be a Friend to Jesus,” but it will show in the lives we live! Are you really His friend? Can he count on you?