John 15:9-17
Enmity with God is the source of all that poisons man. Aren’t we fed up of chasing the world? Will your race to success ever succeed? Can you purchase the secret to living an abundant life with worldly success? No amount of worldly success is going to fill your thirsty soul that yearns for its good maker. It is a state of internal conflict body v/s mind v/s soul, it’s restlessness with no peace. How lucky are we to have God seeking a personal relationship with each of us! Yes, He chose you.
God’s generous love is God Himself. Your true friend is the Almighty Creator of all heaven and earth, He promises to be with you no matter what the situation. Life simply seems easier when our true friend tags along. A true friend motivates you in your challenges, comforts you in your pain, brings hope in a hopeless situation, laughter when you least expect it and brings pure joy in your celebrations. It is a friendship that changes you and bears good fruit for the people around you.
So, is Jesus truly your best friend? Saul was initially a fierce critic of Jesus who persecuted the followers of Christ. Post his conversion St. Paul testifies for Jesus, “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed (2 Cor 4:8-9); we are sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything” (2 Cor 6:8-10). The Saints of God also testify to this fact.
Now, how do you develop a friendship with Jesus? By knowing His heart. The heart of Jesus is known through scripture and prayer. The Gospel of Matthew gives us a glimpse of living an abundant life according to the teachings of Jesus. The Sermon on the Mount is a guide to living an emancipated life in the love of God that ends with the Lord’s Prayer. The agape – love of God is ‘Selfless’; it is a choice before you. A choice, to abide (to remain) in the Love of God or to reject it.
If your never-ending worldly plans drain you of living an abundant life, turn down pride and accept mercy… accept grace… accept love; they are free gifts of God’s true friendship.
