🤝 What a Friend We Have in Jesus – And What a Friend We Must Be

✨Devotional Thoughts

The words of the beloved hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” echo deep truths that are easy to sing but harder to fully grasp. In a world where friendships can be fickle, conditional, and sometimes wounding, Jesus stands apart as a Friend like no other.

Jesus doesn’t just tolerate us—He invites us into friendship. He doesn’t demand perfection before He embraces us; rather, He loved us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). His love doesn't shift with mood, distance, or time. It is steady, eternal, and sacrificial.

When Jesus called His disciples "friends" in John 15, He wasn’t romanticizing the idea. He was preparing them for the reality of His death—the ultimate act of love. He would go to the cross not just as a Savior, but as a Friend laying down His life.

But friendship with Jesus doesn’t end with us. It must flow through us.

After Jesus washed His disciples’ feet and called them friends, He gave a command: “Love one another as I have loved you.” That’s not just a sentiment—it’s a summons. If we have experienced the love of the truest Friend, we are compelled to extend that same kind of faithful, sacrificial love to others.

In 2 Timothy 1:16–18, the Apostle Paul writes: “The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain.”

Onesiphorus wasn’t famous. He didn’t write Scripture. He didn’t perform miracles. But he showed up. When Paul was imprisoned and abandoned, Onesiphorus went out of his way to find him, visit him, and encourage him.

Paul saw in Onesiphorus something rare—a reflection of Jesus. In a time of isolation and need, Onesiphorus became a friend, just as Jesus is to us in our lowest moments.

Jesus, too, comes to us in our prisons—whether they’re made of iron bars or invisible fears. He is not ashamed of our chains. He refreshes us when others forget us. He is the Friend who comes close when others walk away.

🪴Practical Reflection

• Are you carrying burdens that you’ve been hesitant to bring to Jesus? He invites you to bring everything to Him in prayer—not because He demands it, but because He desires it.

• Who around you is isolated or hurting? Can you be the one who “refreshes” them with encouragement or presence?

• Are you willing to love even when it costs you time, comfort, or reputation? Jesus was, and so was Onesiphorus.

• Do your friendships reflect the love of Jesus? Not just in kind words, but in steady, selfless presence?

Our friendship with Jesus should shape every other relationship. We’re not called to be heroes—but to be faithful. The world doesn’t need more perfect people. It needs more present ones.

🌅 Closing Thoughts

Jesus, our greatest Friend, meets us in our lowest places and never lets go. But He also invites us to live like Him—to find those who feel forgotten, to sit with the weary, and to carry someone else’s burden, even if it’s inconvenient.

You may never be famous, but you can be faithful. And sometimes, that’s the greatest kind of friend you can be.

🙏 Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for calling me friend. Thank You for standing with me, comforting me, and loving me when I least deserve it. Help me not to keep that love to myself. Open my eyes to those around me who need a friend. Teach me to love like You—with humility, sacrifice, and grace. Make me more like Onesiphorus—faithful and fearless in love. Amen.