But friendship with God also entails real responsibilities. After all, what would you think of someone who claimed to be your friend, but was consistently unfaithful and disloyal to you? Would you consider that person a “real” friend? Probably not. Our friendship with God is thus practically demonstrated through our loyalty, allegiance and obedience to Him (James 4:4). As Jesus reminded his disciples, “You are my friends if you do what I command you,” (John 15:14). How could it be otherwise? Friends look out for one another, stick up for one another, and remain true to one another. That is part of the essence of friendship.
We see, then, that friendship with God begins with reconciliation, leads to intimacy with (and enjoyment of) Him and results in the sanctification and development of our character. Friendship with God transforms us and enables us to truly flourish.
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