Do you remember when you first heard of Facebook? I heard some women talking. “Are you friends with her?” they inquired of each other. At first, hearing the term friends in this manner was a foreign idea, but it soon caught on, and shortly, I discovered many new friends on Facebook: people I knew but rarely saw, family and friends with whom now I could connect more frequently, and some people I’d never even met before! I started using and enjoying Facebook – and gaining more friends!
Recently, I discovered that someone – actually, a family member whom I absolutely adore – “unfriended” me on Facebook.
When I realized it, my feelings were hurt. (I wish I wasn’t so sensitive!) But it hurt me because Facebook was the only connection between us since we don’t live close.
Aren’t we Facebook/Social Media people ridiculously silly? We “friend” and “unfriend” people for so many reasons! I’ve seen a mother and son end their Facebook relationship over political disagreements. (I hope their personal relationship outside Facebook wasn’t affected!)
Some people use Facebook to connect with friends, some for political agenda, some to “air” their feelings – like writing in a journal. We all have our reasons and interests.
Facebook has given the word friend an entire new meaning – one we never considered prior to ten years ago. But the word friend has been around forever and its true meaning was really established and confirmed by Jesus!
Throughout the gospels, we find that Jesus used the word friend in His ministry. He referred to those he taught as friend and used the word in His parables, as well. He called His followers friend. He even called Judas, His betrayer, a friend when Judas betrayed Him with a kiss. “Friend, do what you came for,” Jesus said. Imagine! Judas – a friend! It’s a baffling thought. But you see, although Judas didn’t receive Jesus as His Savior, Jesus had nonetheless come to save Judas, just as He came to save us all, and each one He came to save is His friend. Amazing!
Jesus said that some referred to Him as a “friend of . . . sinners,” and this is where it gets personal. He was the “friend of sinners,” and He is the “friend of sinners,” and that means He wants to be a your friend and my friend! When we receive Him as Savior, that amazing, supernatural friendship never ends!
Jesus never unfriends us! Aren’t you glad?
Click here to learn how to become a forever friend of Jesus.