During the Covid-19 lockdown of 2020, I remember people telling me that they found out who their true friends were. There was some truth to that. Many discovered who would truly be there for them in trying circumstances. And that reminded me of this wonderful hymn.
What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer.
Oh, what peace we often forfeit, Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer!
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged, Take it to the Lord in Prayer.
Can we find a Friend so faithful Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness–Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden, Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our Refuge–Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do Thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer
In his arms He’ll take and shield thee, Thou wilt find a solace there.
This friend bore our sins. He is with us in all situations. Hopefully you have that understand
ng and appreciation in your life. He is the kind of friend that will be there for you when you need him. Jesus is a loyal friend. He is also a powerful friend. And He is a forgiving friend. He calls us to repent. He reminds us what His crucifixion was all about, the payment for the sins of world, including every one of your sins. That is why you and I can be forgiven. His forgiveness is part of His offer of friendship.
While you and I don’t know His presence the same way those first disciples did, by faith we experience it in our lives. That faith comes to you when you hear and believe the pure Gospel message. Faith sees the hand of God at work in Baptism, washing your sins away. Faith perceives that bread and wine are not only bread and wine when God’s Word is joined with them, but that His power is giving you the body and blood of your Lord for your strengthening and forgiveness. Faith connects you to your Friend, the one who has always been near to you, always there for you, the one who showed you friendship like no one else ever will.
John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
What a Friend we have, indeed, because that is exactly what He did for you and me and for all people. And He calls us to be that kind of friend to each other.
John 15: 13-14, 17 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command … This is my command: Love each other.”
May you be that kind of friend to those you encounter, sharing with them the message that has been shared with you.
- Let them know who the true God is
- Tell them that He wants to be found
- Share that He loves us all
- Call them to repentance, so they can enjoy the forgiveness Jesus earned for them.
Be that kind of Friend.
