BFF ∙∙

BFF ∙∙

You are my friends. – John 15:15

1 Samuel 2:30 I will honor those who honor me.

The Timeless Essence of Friendship

Friendship has long been a cherished aspect of human connection. The American sitcom “Friends,” which aired from September 22, 1994, to May 6, 2004, celebrated the beauty and complexity of these bonds. With 52.5 million viewers tuning in for its finale, it remains one of the most beloved TV shows of all time. Interestingly, it was during a 1997 episode that the character Phoebe introduced the term “BFF,” meaning “Best Friends Forever.”

The acronym BFF caught on quickly, becoming a symbol in modern culture for deep connections characterized by trust, loyalty, and enduring love. Yet, unlike the exclusivity we might imagine, a person can have multiple BFFs, each significant in its own unique way.

But what if the idea of a BFF extended beyond human relationships? What if our ultimate BFF could be the Creator of the universe?

Jesus Christ – the Ultimate Friend

When contemplating the idea of friendship, we discover a revolutionary reorientation in the teachings of Jesus Christ. To His apostles, He made this profound declaration in

John 15:15, “You are my friends.”

This simple yet powerful statement goes beyond our understanding of true friendship. Jesus did not just select one person to be called His friend; He extended this privilege to all of His apostles simultaneously. Furthermore, this invitation is open to every child of God.

Isn’t it remarkable to think that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, considers us His friends? It might seem unbelievable, but His words confirm this truth. His friendship is deeper, higher, and more enduring than any human relationship could ever be.

A Love Without Limits

The depth of Jesus’ friendship finds its ultimate expression in John 15:13, where He states, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” His love is not just a feeling; it is sacrificial and active. The greatest act of love was shown on the cross, where He gave His life so that we may live. Who, then, qualifies as His friends?

He then defines who His friends are in John 15:14-15: “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.”

This reveals two important aspects of His friendship. First, His friends are those who align their lives with His commands, walking in obedience to His will. Second, He shows profound intimacy with His friends, sharing the deepest mysteries of heaven with them. Unlike a servant, who has limited access to a master, Jesus invites us into the fullness of His confidence and heart.

Friendship in the Old and New Testaments

In the Old Testament, the Father referred to two significant individuals as His friends: Abraham and Moses, who are both described as “friends of God” (Exodus 33:11; 2 Chronicles 20:7; Isaiah 41:8; James 2:23). Yet, when Jesus laid down His life on the cross, transformed the concept of friendship with God by extending this privilege to all who place their faith in Him. He created an unbreakable bond that invites each child of the King into a deeply personal relationship with the Creator.

This enduring friendship is not based on our worthiness but on His choice. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus made it possible for us to know Him as both Lord and friend.

Proof of Friendship

Jesus not only referred to His disciples as friends, but He also demonstrated that they were indeed His friends. He shared the Father’s will without reservation. The hallmark of being His friend is found in our obedience to His commands. Our obedience serves as evidence that are hearts are aligned with His.

Reflecting Divine Friendship

The foundation of true friendship is rooted in God Himself. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit exist in an eternal relationship of mutual love and unity. This divine friendship serves as the ultimate model for all human connections. As Ortlund beautifully puts it, “The heart of God is friendship reaching out.”

Through Christ, we are welcomed into this divine circle, becoming friends of God. This reality is both humbling and exhilarating.

REFLECT & PRAY

Friendship, whether with others or with God, is an extension of divine love. The remarkable invitation to be called a friend of Jesus should inspire awe and gratitude in our hearts. It reminds us of the great lengths to which God has gone to bring us into an intimate friendship with Him.

Father, thank You for choosing me as Your friend and for extending this eternal friendship through Jesus Christ. Help me to walk in obedience and love, cherishing the profound privilege of being called Best Friend Forever.

INSIGHT

The Extraordinary Privilege of Friendship with God

Through Christ, we receive an incredible gift: the privilege of being friends with God. This friendship isn’t a modern concept or a casual connection; it reflects the very essence of who God is. Jesus Christ, who perfectly mirrors the Father, extends an open invitation for everyone to find comfort and intimacy in His presence.

Scripture paints a vivid picture of a God who is not distant or austere but compassionate and welcoming. Imagine a loving grandparent eagerly opening their arms for their grandchildren to leap into their lap for a hug. They delight in expressing immense love and affection. You know the type. That is the heart of God toward His children.

Sadly, some adopt an inaccurate view of God as a severe, vindictive, draconian judge, quick to reprimand rather than love. This perspective misses the truth of His character and the depth of His grace. How sad and disheartening!

Friendship with God Is Mutual

True friendship, even with God, is marked by mutual affection and purpose. The Father, the Lord God Almighty, and His Son, Jesus Christ, share a bond akin to “Best Friends Forever.” Remarkably, this divine friendship isn’t exclusive but includes every child of the King.

Each of us has the right and privilege to boldly say, “The Father is my friend,” and “The Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, is my friend.” This is not a lofty ideal but a joyous reality.

Chosen for Friendship

The Greek word translated as “friend” is philos. Philos signifies a “cherished, beloved, and close companion.” It’s the term Jesus used when speaking of His followers. He chose us to be His friends (philos). Children of the King are not simply followers or subjects. The Lord Jesus Christ does not merely call us His friends; He has made us His friends. He engages with us in a manner that reflects warmth, closeness, and mutual respect; hallmarks of genuine friendship.

John 15:16 reminds us of this truth, “You didn’t choose me. I chose you.”

Jesus has consciously transitioned us from a position of servanthood to that of friendship. He calls us friends sincerely and interacts with us with the warmth and openness reserved for the closest companions.

John 15:15 expands on this truth, saying, “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.”

From Slave to Friend

The Greek term translated as slave is doulos. Doulos had a multitude of meanings. The modern connotation of “slave” or “servant” often evokes negative sentiments. It’s a word that is seen as derogatory and usually stirs up painful memories, especially for those whose ancestors were subjected to the harsh realities of being enslaved people.

In first-century Roman culture, slaves were thought of as little more than objects. “A slave was defined in Greek law as a living tool” (Barclay). Aristotle put slaves on the same level as inanimate objects – agricultural implements” (Hughes). “The master might love the bondservant and might be treated kindly, but he never would be regarded as an equal nor given an insight into the master’s mind. He would be expected to obey without knowing the reason why” (Tenney). For slaves, it was none of their business.

The term “slave” or “doulos” had some esteemed connotations during the first century. While it is often evoked today with images of oppression and humiliation, in biblical times, it was frequently viewed as a title of honor with considerable prestige. Many distinguished figures mentioned in the Scriptures were referred to as “servants of God” or “bond-servants of God.” Individuals such as Moses (Deuteronomy 34:5), Joshua (Joshua 24:29), and David (Psalms 89:20) were referred to as the “servants of God.” The Apostle Paul also took pride in adopting the title of “bond-servant of God” (Titus 1:1).

Yet, Jesus offers something even greater. His sacrifice on the cross opened the door to a deeper, more intimate relationship with God than anyone had known before. He said, in effect, “You are no longer slaves; you are friends.”

Friendship with God goes beyond dutiful servitude. It transforms a distant King into a close companion, someone we can approach without fear. Because of Jesus, we move from yearning for God at a distance to living in daily communion with Him.

The Confidence of Divine Friendship

Who doesn’t desire a close friend, a confidant who listens without judgment and remains loyal through every season? Jesus Christ is that friend, the ultimate BFF. He brings children of the King into His confidence, sharing the most profound truths of heaven with transparency and love.

Proverbs 22:11 describes this remarkable friendship, saying, “Whoever loves a pure heart and gracious speech will have the king as a friend.”

The Lord Jesus Christ brought His disciples into His confidence. He opened His heart to them, providing complete transparency and divulging the mysteries of heaven. They were no longer servants merely following commands, but trusted friends who delighted in His presence. He made friends with them.

He made friends with us!

Reflecting on Our Friendship with Him

This profound truth leads us to ask ourselves, “How do we perceive our relationship with Jesus? Are we distant servants doing the bare minimum, or are we intimate friends who delight in His company and joyfully follow His commands?”

Friendship with God is deeply relational. Through Christ, we are welcomed into God’s inner circle, where love, trust, and mutual respect thrive. This friendship transforms the way we live and interact with Him.

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© Dr. H 2025