LENT 40 days – Day 35
Scripture reading: ‘If someone says: “I love God,” and he/she hates his – sister – brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his sister or brother, whom he can see, cannot possibly love God, whom he cannot see.’ 1 JOHN 4:20
In this time of Lent, let us reflect on the authenticity of friendship and the nature of our relationship between us and Jesus. The words of Jesus, “You are my friends if you do what I command,” may sound strange at first hearing. Not at all in keeping with the modern ideas of equality and democracy. Sounds like dictatorship. He seems to make friendship dependent on your obedience, and that to me is contrary to our concept of friendship.
But when we think about who Jesus is, the picture changes. He is not just a human like us, but He is the Lord and King of the universe. He is God who came to earth as a man. His word is law, and His will must be followed. But even in His rulership, He reveals a longing to be more than just a ruler – He wants to be a friend. His command is ‘you must love one another…’.
The command that Jesus gives us is simple: “That you love one another.” This is not an order of compulsion, but an invitation to a life of love, a condition to be called his friend. . Our friendship with Jesus is not determined by our obedience, but by our willingness to love as He loves.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank You that You are not only our Lord and Master, but also our friend. Help us to obey Your commandment of love and to love one another as You love us. May our friendship with You and with each other grow through our love and devotion for each other. Amen.
Reflection questions:
1. How do you understand the connection between obedience and friendship in the context of Jesus’ words?
2. How can our love for others be an expression of our friendship with Jesus?
3. In what ways can we support and encourage each other to love as Jesus loves us?