Unwavering Strength- Discovering the Divine Companionship in Jesus, as Captured in ‘What a Friend We Have in Jesus’
What a friend we have in Jesus, this is the truth that resonates deeply within the hearts of believers across the globe. The scripture from Hebrews 13:5, “For He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee,” encapsulates the unwavering love and support that Jesus offers to His followers. This profound friendship with Jesus is the cornerstone of Christian faith, providing strength, comfort, and guidance in the face of life’s challenges.
In the following paragraphs, we will delve into the significance of this friendship, exploring its various aspects and how it shapes the lives of believers. By understanding the depth of this relationship, we can appreciate the incredible gift that Jesus offers to those who trust in Him.
The foundation of this friendship lies in the eternal promise that Jesus made to His disciples. The Bible is filled with examples of Jesus’ love and concern for His followers, such as when He walked on water, calmed the storm, and healed the sick. These acts of compassion and power demonstrate the depth of Jesus’ commitment to His friends. As the apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”
One of the most remarkable aspects of this friendship is its inclusivity. Jesus invites everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, to come to Him for strength and guidance. The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) beautifully illustrates this point. The father welcomes his wayward son back with open arms, demonstrating the unconditional love and forgiveness that Jesus offers to all who seek Him. This invitation to friendship is a testament to the fact that Jesus desires a personal relationship with each and every one of us.
Another significant aspect of this friendship is its transformative power. As believers grow closer to Jesus, they experience a profound change in their lives. The Holy Spirit works within them, empowering them to overcome sin, love others, and share the good news of Jesus. This transformation is evident in the lives of the apostles, who, after encountering Jesus, became bold witnesses of His love and power. As the apostle Peter declared in 1 Peter 1:3, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
Finally, this friendship with Jesus provides believers with a sense of purpose and peace. In a world that is often filled with uncertainty and fear, knowing that we have a friend in Jesus brings a profound sense of security. The apostle John wrote in 1 John 4:18, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” This peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7) is a gift that Jesus offers to all who trust in Him.
In conclusion, the friendship that we have with Jesus is a precious and invaluable gift. It is a friendship that is based on eternal promises, inclusive of all, transformative in power, and filled with purpose and peace. As we reflect on the scripture “What a friend we have in Jesus,” let us embrace this friendship with all our hearts, allowing it to shape and guide our lives as we journey through this world.
