Comforted in Our Loneliness by the Friend Who Never Leaves - The Crosswalk Devotional - May 2

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Comforted in Our Loneliness by the Friend Who Never Leaves
By: Jennifer Slattery

Bible Reading:
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.  - John 15:15 NIV

Do you ever struggle with building and maintaining friendships? Do you long for a relationship that feels so safe, you can express your deepest needs, doubts, sins, and fears? But also find yourself hiding those parts of you, for fear you’ll be rejected and shamed? 

In our broken world, filled with people who are as broken as us, it can be really hard to find those people able to stay by us in our hardest times and, perhaps, even when we act the ugliest. We all, at times, behave in ways we wish we hadn’t and that, sadly hurt or frustrate others. We will never reach perfection this side of heaven, but that doesn’t mean we’re destined to be alone. 

If you grew up in an environment where your needs for love, grace, and affection weren’t met, you may have come to believe that there’s something inherently wrong with you. Something that, if others knew or saw or experienced, would drive them away. And while I can’t speak for the people presently in your life—whether or not they have the emotional and spiritual maturity to work through conflict, confusion, and misunderstandings—who have the maturity to stay—I do know One who sees all of you, loves you fully, and has promised to never leave. 

Jesus is the friend mentioned in Proverbs 18:24 who sticks closer than a brother. 

When I consider His words in context, in John 15, I’m struck by the timing with which He spoke. This was on the night before His death, during a solemn and deeply painful Passover in which He told His disciples that they’d soon endure some of the most difficult experiences of their lives. Expulsion from their faith community, and all the support and comfort and connection that came with that. Slander and attack by those who viewed their commitment to Jesus as blasphemous, ungodly, and dangerous. And, potentially, death.

Hard stuff. Times when they would desperately need to know they weren’t alone and that someone saw them, understood their pain, and walked with them in it. And yes, they had each other, praise God. But that wasn’t, and wouldn’t be enough—no matter how strong their relationships were with one another. 

They needed a perfect friend. They needed Jesus. And He gave Himself freely—to the point of death. But He didn’t stay dead. He rose from the grave as a powerful reminder that their hardship wouldn’t last forever. Glorious life, abundant and thriving life, was coming. And in the meantime, while they waited for their “faith to become sight” as. Scripture puts it—Jesus waited, fully present, with them.

Intersecting Life & Faith:

Pause to reflect on today’s verse for a moment, and hear this as the Lord speaking directly to you:

“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”

In other words, Jesus says, to you, I don’t view you as a servant—as someone who’s only role is to listen and obey. Rather, I see you as someone with whom I long to grow closer, and I choose to reveal Myself to you. No secrets. No games. No power plays. Nothing but loyal, tender, steady, and present love. 

He could’ve used numerous words—and at times He does. Child. One of His dependent and well-cared-for sheep. His beloved. But here, He calls you friend.

What might this reveal regarding His heart for you? Regarding His understanding of your deepest needs for connection and acceptance? What does it reveal regarding how He wants to meet you in your present season? 

To grasp the depth of His message, perhaps consider the qualities you long for in a perfect friend. Someone who’s mentally present and emotionally available in your pain. Someone who sees the best in you, even when you blow it—and who always has your best in mind. No manipulation, strong arming, withdrawal, shaming, criticizing or condemning. Someone who celebrates your wins and comforts you in your losses. 

Most importantly, someone who remains. 

That, my friend, is who Jesus wants to be for you. Who Jesus is for you.

Further Reading:
1 John 4:16
Psalm 143:8
Isaiah 49:15-16

Join the conversation! Share how today’s devotional encouraged or challenged you in your walk with Christ.

Photo Credit: © Sparrowstock 

Jennifer Slattery is a writer and speaker who co-hosts the Faith Over Fear podcast and, along with a team of 6, the Your Daily Bible Verse podcast. She’s addressed women’s groups, Bible studies, and taught at writers conferences across the nation. She’s the author of Building a Family and numerous other titles and maintains a devotional blog at JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLoud.com.

She’s passionate about helping people experience Christ’s freedom in all areas of their lives. Visit her online to learn more about her speaking or to book her for your next women’s event, and sign up for her free quarterly newsletter HERE and make sure to connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and GodTube.

Check out fantastic resources on Faith, Family, and Fun at Crosswalk.com! 

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