Daily Devotional

This charge given to Christ’s disciples is so inspiring. He starts out commanding his disciples to love one another and then gives a description of the ultimate expression of love—to give your life for your friends, with the same spirit Christ did as He gave His life on the cross. In the same way, we are commanded to love one another. How do I apply this commandment to my life?

One of my fondest memories helped me begin to understand this. In 1975, Jim began studying at Talbot Theological Seminary in Southern California. We rented a bottom-floor apartment in North Hollywood. Our new friends, Monnie and Joanie, lived in the apartment above.

We were so very thankful to have friends in our lives during those stressful seminary days. We loved one another through shared meals, cared for each other through deep trials and celebrated our joyful times.  

One day Monnie and Joanie said they needed to meet with us. It sounded so very serious. We invited them downstairs, curious to hear what was on their mind. They told us that they had come to a major life decision. They had decided to become “life-long” friends for us. They explained that they wanted to be committed to us, no matter where we lived, no matter what challenges we would face in the future. They would be there for us. Both Jim and I never expected this. We never had anyone in our lives make this kind of commitment. We were humbled and honored. The commitment to be life-long friends became mutual.

Our friendship continued to grow—even to the point of preparing wills that would grant each other their kids if anything happened. We went on vacations together, ministered to people together.

We have not lived in the same town for decades, but that doesn’t stop our friendship. To this day, we know that our mutual commitment to love one another is rock solid. When we need each other, we are ready to take action. They chose us to be their life-long friends, we chose them to be ours.  We have loved each other through the years and will continue to do so on into Heaven.

We have a living example of John 15:12–17 in these dear friends. We are also experiencing the impact of Proverbs 18:24. It has become our life-long reality—a clear picture of heaven on earth!

Proverbs 18:24 - “A man of too many friends (i.e., casual friends) comes to ruin, but there is a friend (i.e., a loving friend) who sticks closer than a brother.”

New American Standard Bible®,
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