AUGUST 4,  John 15:9-15

When Anthony returned home for dinner, he came in whistling a happy tune. Mom smiled. “You certainly are in a good mood,” she said. “Of course, I just spent the whole afternoon with my very best friend in the whole wide world,” replied Anthony. “Tong Leng and I had fun today.”

“I see,” said Mom. “What makes him your very best friend in the whole wide world?”

Anthony thought a moment. “Well, we always have fun playing games or talking or just hanging out,” he explained. “We help each other, and we cheer each other up if one of us feels bad about something.” Anthony nodded. “We’d rather spend time together than with any of the other guys. That means we’re best friends,” he declared.

Mom nodded. “You know what?” she said in a quiet, gentle voice. “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?” wondered Anthony. Mom smiled. “He loved me so much that He died for me so I can spend eternity with Him,” she said. “Oh! You’re talking about Jesus, aren’t you?” asked Anthony. “I never really thought about Him as a best friend.”

“He’ll be your best friend if you let Him,” said Mom. “Jesus can understand you perfectly not just because He is God but also because He went through life as you and I did! You can include Jesus in everything you do. He’s always there for you, just like a best friend.”

“Yes, He is, isn’t He?” said Anthony thoughtfully. He grinned. “I guess Tong Leng won’t mind much if he’s only my second best friend, especially after I tell him who my very best friend in the whole wide world really is,” he said. “And I’ll tell him I don’t mind if he makes Jesus his best friend, too.” Do you have a best friend?

Thought: Is Jesus a good friend? The best friend?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for friends for they are a blessing— especially Christian friends. And also thank You for the reminder that even more special is the friendship I may have with Jesus, the most faithful friend I can ever have. In His holy name I pray, amen.