are you my friend?

Jesus said, "You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you." John 15:14-15

After playing a game together, Millie decided she wanted to go color.  Annie was not ready for an activity change.  She was mad and hurt and let Millie know it in no uncertain terms by crossing her arms and loudly proclaiming, "You are not my friend." 

Millie sadly kept walking away.

I chuckled to myself, knowing how Annie momentarily felt... abandoned and miffed, as well as Millie... abandoned and hurt.  Afterall, don't we all like for people to do what we want and to have things go our way? Yet, in our imperfect world, that is not the norm.  Some flexibility, patience and communication can aid in reducing pain and increasing understanding while restoring a relationship.

Many times, the bottom line in how we handle the brokenness is driven by who or what is most important to us.  Who is helped? Who is hurt?  What really matters?

Father, our selfish human nature can cause unkind words and actions to flood from our hearts and mouths.  Sometimes what we want is for the good of others and sometimes primarily for self.  With Your Spirit may we discern and conclude what is best.  Thank You for Your faithful, fair and righteous friendship to us, one that is unwavering, clear and true. EVERYTHING from you is good and for the good. To be a friend more like You is my daily prayer.

Can we be friends... always?

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal