Jesus our Friend – Santosh Kulkarni

Santosh
John 15:12: This is My commandment, that you love one another…You are my friends if you do what I command you. I have called you friends. Friend is someone to whom I can pour my heart out. Do I spend quality time with my friend Jesus? Romans 2:4: Kindness of God leads to repentance. James 4:4: Whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. John 11:11: Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep but I go to awaken him from sleep. John 11:40: Did I not say to you that if you believe you will see the glory of God? It is a personal relationship with God, setting right priorities. Matthew 26:50: Friend, do what you have come for. Jesus called Judas who wanted to betray Him, his friend. Luke 19:1-9: Jesus looked at Zaccheus and Zaccheus found the real treasure Jesus and gave up everything else.

Abraham
God wants us to have an intimate loving relationship with Jesus. Luke 10:40-42: Story of Mary and Martha shows us what is most important. Jesus said Mary has chosen the good part which will not be taken away from her. John 21:15: Do you love Me more than these. Fire of God’s love should burn in our hearts. Our life should be a walk with God like Enoch or Noah. Being captivated by the love of Jesus.

Biju
Can I love others is practical check I can do. Kindness and compassion that I see in Christ, do I have that for others. Lord does not leave us even when we go back. Peter’s picture comes to my life. Jesus did not leave peter alone even when he denied Jesus. From Romans 1 onwards we read so many things God did for us. He justified us. We need to know the truth of Christ. We have a way open to him even when we fall many times. In Revelation also Jesus says you have left your first love, remember from where you have fallen and repent. Only Holy Spirit can do it.

Amalan
Jesus gave us a new covenant. Hebrews 8:8-12: I will put my laws into their minds and I will write them on their hearts. Jesus can give his grace so we can be His friend.

Harish
John 15:12: This is my commandment that you love another, just as I have loved you. Romans 2:3.
Luke 13:1-5: Unless you repent you will all likewise perish. We need to have the true love of God. Seeing our wives as our friend, not just as wives. 1 Cor 13:1-3: If I do not have love, it profits me nothing.

Lizy
God does everything in my life because of His love for me, even the difficult circumstances. 1 Peter 1:22: Fervently love one another from the heart. Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love. When difficult times come, we know whether we truly love. 1 Cor 13:4-7: Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous. Love bears all things, is not irritable.

Daniel
We need to know the real Jesus who was also called a winebibber and gluttonous man. He was called a friend of sinners. He wants us to know that He loves us and embraces and hugs us in love, just like when the father hugged the prodigal son who had come back after a long time away from his father.