Hint – it is definitely mutual

One thing I tend to say often is that when I count my blessings, my friendship circle is right up there. I highly value friendship in general and the good friends I’ve made over the years in particular. I’m lucky in friendship or should I say I’m blessed. A friendship I particularly enjoy and value is my relationship with Jesus. It is a relationship that has evolved and matured over time and continues to do so. Having been raised in a traditional church, I must say that I grew up with a mixed view on who God is and on how to relate to him.  On the one hand, I knew the songs and scriptures about this amazing friend called Jesus who loves me so much that he died for my sins and carries my burdens on his shoulders.

On the other hand, I saw God as this authoritative being who commanded total obedience and submission from me with no compromise. Scriptures that speak of people being called to be holy or perfect really challenged me and stressed me out. They sounded impossible to follow despite my deep desire to do so. I struggled to reconcile the near-authoritarian God, at least in my mind, with the tender-hearted and loving friend. I distinctly remember when the mind shift began to take place. A friend of mine mentioned that she spoke to God about anything and everything – her thoughts, ideas, dreams, challenges, temptations, and more. She talked to him about the good, the bad, the ugly, and the mundane.

I’d never witnessed anyone relating to Jesus in this manner and I was intrigued. I wanted what she described because it sounded amazing. I vowed, inwardly, to give it go. It wasn’t easy and more often than not, I wasn’t sure whether Jesus was indeed at the other end of the conversation. If I went by faith that he was, I wasn’t sure of what he was thinking or saying. Fast forward to several years later when I got saved – you can read that story here – the scriptures that used to challenge and stress me no longer did so. I began to realise that whilst God called me to be holy as he is holy, he provides me with the strength and ability to do so. I realised that obedience and submission were for my own good because I was actually created to be in relationship with him.

Abraham was called God’s friend. He had a close relationship with God. At some point in the story, God visits Abraham at his home with two representatives. Abraham is honoured by their presence and graciously hosts them. That is such a beautiful illustration of the relationship God calls us to have with him. In Revelations 3:20 he says, “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” At the end of the visit, the visitors got up to leave and Abraham walked along with them to see them on their way. On a side note, we do this in my culture in Zimbabwe. It is polite, as a host, to see your guests on their way. It is called kuperekedza vaenzi (seeing your guests on their way).

The near-authoritarian view I had of God disappeared as I began to discover more and more of his heart and character for me and for everyone. Whilst he has all authority and is a God of justice, he is also slow to anger, quick to forgive and full of unfailing love. Though it’s been over a decade of walking with God as my friend, I still peel back layers or discover new aspects to this friendship all the time. I’ll give you an example. I’d never really meditated on the reciprocity of the friendship. What I mean is that I call Jesus my friend and act like a friend towards him. However, I had never really thought through what me being his friend means and looks like. I’ve been studying the book of Genesis, particularly the story of Abraham. The story painted a beautiful picture of what God considering me his friend means and what it looks like.

Back to the story, God then decides to confide in Abraham about his plans for two cities because Abraham was his friend. See, Abraham’s nephew and his family lived in one of the cities and would therefore be affected by God’s plan to pass judgement on them. God listened to Abraham’s thoughts and ideas on the matter. He allowed Abraham to present his case on behalf of his nephew and family. God effectively held council with Abraham outside his home! I was blown away when I read this. What this means is that, like Abraham, I too can enter into God’s council anytime. God has given me that privilege as his friend. I can speak my heart and mind in his council in heaven and my voice is heard. He considers what I say and what I ask. That is profound!

I remember my mum once telling me that as a child of God, I’ll find that God will often tell me what he is about to do before he does it out of regard for me. That is exactly what God did with Abraham. I have personally experienced this in my life many times as well. Because God considers me his friend, I have experienced that he confides in me and lets me in on his thoughts and plans prior to the events or at the time of the event. God often prepares me for something long before it happens. He also walks with me through all my life experiences. As I was studying the story of Abraham, it became clearer to me that my friend with God is mutual. It is reciprocated. Jesus is my friend just as I am his friend. Friends, that is such a beautiful and precious thing don’t you think?

Love,