Tuesday: The Purpose of Biblical Friendships
Read: John 17:20-24
SOAP: John 17:22-23
The glory you gave to me I have given to them, that they may be one just as we are one—I in them and you in me—that they may be completely one, so that the world will know that you sent me, and you have loved them just as you have loved me.
Devotion:
The world has a lot of experience with unhealthy relationships. The unbelievers around us have seen friendships that consisted of gossip and exclusion, friends that only helped one another when they expected something in return, and friendships that were filled with arguing and dissension. Part of our witness to the watching world is showing them something different. When our friendships are defined by sacrificial love, they point to God’s sacrificial love for the world.
The Father sent the Son into the world to show real love, and He sends us with a similar mission. When we cultivate relationships defined by honesty, grace, and service, we just might catch the attention of people hungry for that kind of connection. Finding it is rare, and we have an opportunity to not only model those relationships for others, but to extend that friendship to them. When we are frustrated by our failed attempts at evangelizing, maybe we need to take a step back and ask how we can be a good friend to others. Our love for each other—and our inclusion of outsiders—may open opportunities to point people to the One who has sent us.
Prayer:
God, bring people into my life that I can share Your love with! Strengthen my friendships, so they can point people to Your love for the world. Amen.