Some Friends . . .



God knows we each face a different set of temptations,
but He loves and helps each of us through each one.



     "Who can bring any charge against God’s chosen ones? God makes us right with Himself. Who can sentence us to death? Christ Jesus is at the right hand of God and is also praying for us. He died. More than that, He was raised to life."  Romans 8:33-34

     "We have a great high priest. He has gone up into the heavens. He is Jesus the Son of God. So let us hold firmly to what we say we believe.

     We have a high priest who can feel it when we are weak and hurting. We have a high priest who has been tempted in every way, just as we are. But He did not sin. So let us boldly approach the throne of grace. Then we will receive mercy. We will find grace to help us when we need it." Hebrews 14-16



     As hard as it is to believe, some people don't laugh at British humor.  I could bust a stitch over many British comedies. Some friends don't like the movies or books I recommend. Others do.  I laugh in places they don't and vice-versa. Some friends don't like seafood or grits and look at me like I have two heads when I glow over my Mom's tomato gravy. Some of us can handle more pain with less complaint while others of us ask for medication at the thought of pain. Don't ask me to watch surgery, but I have friends who find it fascinating.  Weepy friends, stoic friends, extroverts, introverts, practicals, romantics, affectionate, reserved, those on meds and those not on meds. We haven't all experienced the same depth of suffering in the same areas: the baggage we claim comes around that moving belt in different colors.



     But, in spite of our differences, we have the same Friend Who thoroughly "gets" us.  Jesus understands all the little quirks and packed away hurts and victories that make each of us who we are.  He understands why I like both Mexican pop music and sad melodies; brilliantly sunny fall days and rainy winter days. He can answer why the sound of trains, uncooked oatmeal, and the smell of cilantro comfort me.  He alone can explain my aversions to meat textures, the taste of licorice, animals dressed in clothing, horror movies, and seeing people embarrass themselves.  He knows why I pull for underdogs but find it difficult to commit to groups.  

    Jesus didn't just die to save us but lives to help us on a daily basis. He relates to us and desires to teach us to relate to others.  He loves to pour out His understanding and mercy and lift the burdens we're packing.  He's praying for us at God's Right Hand of Power.

    What a Friend we have in Jesus!



Lord, forgive us for being so quick to judge others for their quirks and weaknesses, so quick to close people off when they're different from us. We try to herd them in the same direction or even die for them, but we don't want to relate to them as unique individuals while we're living. Yet, it's how Your kingdom will grow.

   You, amazing Friend, do it all.  You hold each of us firmly in Your loving Arms and love each of us with our personalized baggage. Fill us full of Your Holy Spirit so we can be more like You in the way we relate to others. We may never understand each other, but help us be merciful and kind. Help us cry and laugh with each other, as appropriate. 

In the Name of Jesus, Friend of Sinners