Walking with the Almighty: How to Become a Friend of God
Introduction
The Holy Scriptures contain a title that is perhaps the most extraordinary honor ever bestowed upon a human being: "The Friend of God." In James 2:23, we read: “And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,’ and he was called God’s friend.” This leads us to a vital inquiry for our own spiritual lives: Why was Abraham given this title? And more importantly, is it possible for us to achieve this same level of intimacy?
Jesus provided the answer in John 15:14: “You are my friends if you do what I command.” This reveals a profound truth: Friendship with God is not a vague, sentimental feeling; it is a dynamic relationship built upon the pillars of faith, obedience, and constant communion.
I. Genuine Faith: The Foundation of Friendship
Abraham’s friendship began with a choice to believe the unbelievable.
• Active and Obedient Faith: Abraham’s faith was not passive. When called, he went out without knowing his destination (Hebrews 11:8–10). He believed in the promise of a son despite his advanced age (Romans 4:19–21), and he was willing to offer Isaac back to God (Hebrews 11:17–19).
• The Nature of True Faith: Biblical faith is more than mental assent; it is trusting God to the point of action. As 1 Peter 1:7 and Job 23:10 suggest, this faith is often tested by fire to prove its genuineness.
Doctrinal Truth: There is no friendship with God without absolute trust. You cannot be a friend to someone you do not trust.
II. Prompt Obedience: The Proof of Friendship
A friend of God does not argue with God’s commands; they execute them.
• Obedience Without Excuses: In Génesis 12, God said "Go," and Abraham went. In Génesis 22, God asked for Isaac, and Abraham rose "early in the morning" to obey. His constant posture was "Here I am."
• The Principle of Promptness: Delayed obedience is often a form of disobedience. Scripture celebrates those who move quickly:
◦ The disciples left their nets immediately (Matthew 4:19–22).
◦ Zacchaeus came down from the tree at once (Lucas 19:5–6).
◦ Philip rose and went without hesitation (Acts 8:26–27).
Spiritual Principle: Promptness reveals the level of your submission to the Master.
III. Seeking Peace: The Character of Friendship
Abraham understood that those who are friends with the "Prince of Peace" must value peace themselves.
• Conflict Resolution: When a dispute arose between his herdsmen and Lot’s, Abraham sought a solution rather than a victory (Genesis 13:7–9). He chose peace over his own rights, allowing Lot to choose the best land first.
• Doctrinal Imperatives:
◦ "Blessed are the peacemakers" (Matthew 5:9).
◦ "Live at peace with everyone" (Romans 12:18).
◦ "Make every effort... to live in peace" (Hebrews 12:14).
Spiritual Reality: A friend of God cannot live in prideful contention with others.
IV. Constant Devotion: The Language of Friendship
Friendship cannot survive without communication. For Abraham, this was expressed through the "Altar."
• Building Altars: Wherever Abraham pitched his tent, he built an altar (Genesis 12:7–8; 13:18). Wherever there was a promise, there was praise.
• The Pattern of Devotion: * Anna never left the temple (Lucas 2:37).
◦ Jesus made it His custom to attend the synagogue (Lucas 4:16).
◦ The early church was devoted to gathering daily (Acts 2:46; Hebrews 10:25).
Spiritual Truth: You cannot be a friend to someone you rarely speak to or visit.
V. Hospitality and Generosity: The Heart of Friendship
Abraham reflected the generous heart of the God he served.
• Receiving Strangers: In Genesis 18:2–8, we see Abraham running to receive travelers, giving his very best, and serving them personally. He did not know he was hosting the Lord and His angels, but his heart was already tuned to hospitality.
• The Biblical Mandate: We are commanded to be hospitable without grumbling and to share with the Lord's people who are in need (Hebrews 13:2; Romans 12:13; 1 Peter 4:9).
VI. Intercession: The Concern of Friendship
A friend of God cares about what God cares about—the souls of men.
• Interceding for the Lost: Abraham did not rejoice when he heard of Sodom’s impending judgment. He stood before the Lord and pleaded for the righteous and even the wicked (Genesis 18:23–32).
• The Sacrificial Love: This mimics the heart of Christ and the concern of the Apostles. Paul carried the "daily pressure" of his concern for the churches (2 Corinthians 11:28). We are called to exhort one another and look to the interests of others (Hebrews 3:13; Philippians 2:3–5).
Doctrinal Summary
Abraham was called the friend of God not by birth or by accident, but because of a life surrendered. His friendship was characterized by:
1. Firm Faith: Trusting the character of God.
2. Prompt Obedience: Responding to the Word of God.
3. Seeking Peace: Mirroring the heart of God.
4. Constant Devotion: Maintaining communion with God.
5. Generosity and Intercession: Reflecting the love of God.
See Also
- What to Do If a Church Member Sins?
- Duality in the Scriptures: Neutrality is an illusion
- How to Find the Solution to Your Problem
Conclusion
The invitation to divine friendship remains open today. God is still looking for those who will believe Him, obey Him, and seek Him with all their hearts. Friendship with God is not a title you give yourself; it is a life you live for Him.
