That answer is in the Bible. Here there are many good examples of agape friendship.
Ruth gave up her family, her homeland, and the likely opportunity to remarry so she could be with and take care of her mother-in-law (Ruth 1:11-18). Jonathan loved David so much that he took the risk of betraying his own father to save his friend's life (1 Samuel 20).
The Bible's model of friendship is one of sacrifice.
The greatest sacrifice ever made
2000 years ago, a thirty-year-old Jewish carpenter was nailed to a wooden cross and died. His crime was unclear - not even the Roman officials could see why He had been brought before them. Yet His enemies were legion. Even His own people demanded His execution. Quietly, without complaint, He walked to the place of His death and accepted the pain and degradation of His punishment.
Why?
AGAPE. Love without limits.
Jesus loves us not because of what we are or what we can do for Him, but just because He can... If we let Him.
He knows all of who we are. He will never turn us away, if we come to Him with a sincere heart. He gave everything for us, so that we can be free from the hurts we carry and the mistakes we've made. He is always there for us. His death guarantees forgiveness. His resurrection guarantees eternity.
Friendship is a gift to be treasured - Jocelyn is my best friend and I love her very much. I am grateful to be a part of her life.
Yet no one could ever be the friend that Jesus is because no one could ever make the loving sacrifice that He did or be as "ever present" as He is. He knows us better than we know ourselves.
Jesus is the permanent solution to loneliness. He said, "I am standing and knocking at your door. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and we will eat together." (Revelation 3:20) Step out and take a chance. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Jesus is a friend like no other; a best friend without equal. Get to know him today.
Copyright 2000 Women Today Magazine. Used with permission.
Related reading:
Best Friend Notes
- From Jeffrey Zaslow, USA WEEKEND, 02-08-1998, p. 030
- Jan Yager, Ph.D., Friendshifts: The Power of Friendship and How It Shapes Our Lives, Stamford: Hannacroix Creek Books, 1997, p. 5. For ordering information, contact http://www.hannacroix.com/friendshifts.html
- Ibid, p. 5.
- All Biblical references from the New International Version of The Holy Bible, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1978.
