Best Friends

Bible Reading: John 15:9-15

When Porter came home from school, he had a big smile on his face. “You seem to be in a good mood,” Mom said.

“Yeah, I am,” said Porter. “I think I finally have a best friend!”

“Oh?” Mom turned to look at him. “Who’s your best friend?”

“Seth—the new kid who came to our school a couple months ago,” Porter replied.

“I see,” said Mom. “What makes him your best friend?”

Porter thought a moment. “Well, we always have fun playing games or talking or just hanging out. We help each other, and we cheer each other up if one of us feels bad about something. I have other friends too, and so does Seth, but we just understand each other the best and like spending time together. That means we’re best friends.”

Mom nodded. “You know what?” she said. “You just described my relationship with my best friend too—except for one thing. My best friend did something extra special for me a long time ago. Something no other friend could ever do.”

“Really? What did your best friend do for you?” asked Porter.

Mom smiled. “He loved me so much He died for me so I could spend eternity with Him.”

“Oh! You’re talking about Jesus, aren’t you? I never really thought about Him as a best friend.”

“He’ll be your best friend if you let Him,” said Mom. “You can do some of the same kinds of things with Jesus that you like to do with Seth. You can talk to Him, and you can listen when He talks to you through His Word, the Bible—or even when He just quietly impresses something on your heart. You can include Jesus in everything you do. He cares about you and is always there for you, just like a best friend.”

“Yeah, He is, isn’t He?” said Porter thoughtfully. He grinned. “I’m sure Seth won’t mind if I have another best friend, especially after I tell him who He is and what He’s done for me. And I’ll tell him I don’t mind if he makes Jesus his best friend too.” • Diane V. Godbold

How About You?

Do you have a best friend? Friends are special blessings—especially Christian friends. They are gifts from God, and He wants us to enjoy the friendships we have with others. But Jesus is the most faithful friend of all, and He wants to be your friend. He did what no other friend could do for you—He died and rose again to save you from sin. Make Him your very best friend by trusting in Him today. (To learn more, click the “Good News!” button in the right column of this page.)

Today’s Key Verse:
John 15:13 No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends. (CSB)

Today’s Key Thought:

Make Jesus your best friend