Somebody Special Calls Me “Friend”

Daily writing prompt

What’s the story behind your nickname?

I have a private nickname. Somebody very special calls me “Friend.” His texts comfort, inspire, and challenge me. His voice deeply touches me. His presence empowers me to be a better person.

Here’s how I got that nickname. “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” Jesus calls me Friend and from glory to glory transforms me from within. (And if you will read His texts in the Bible and listen to His still small voice in your heart, He will call you Friend too.)

We humans are surrounded by the inexplainable force beyond nature called life. Jesus, the living Word of God, is the source of that life. Christians need more than additional information about Jesus. They need to continually experience His presence.

Christians are supposed to influence the world for good. They shouldn’t swept along by the world’s anger and conspiracy theories.

Just because a group of people calls itself a church it doesn’t mean that group is functioning as the body of Christ. Jesus is the literal Head of His body. If He hasn’t been given actual and full supremacy over a group of people to personally direct and lead them by His Spirit, are they functioning as His body? (See Colossians 1:28 and Romans 8:14.)

Disciples (Friends of Christ) aren’t made by religious lectures. They are made by Spirit-led relationships.

The “disciples” of the street are certainly bolder in promoting their beliefs than the “disciples” of the church are. If church attendees would spread love the way street gangs spread anger and violence, the world would be a much better place!

Love your neighbor and humbly speak the truth in love, kindness, and compassion even if your neighbor finds the truth offensive. The one who calls me “Friend” is always kind to me, even when He corrects me.

People who accuse
And verbally abuse
The people who choose
To reject their views
Have never learned to use
The power of kindness
By speaking the truth in love.

About Steve Simms

I like to look and think outside the box. In college I encountered Jesus Christ and I have been passionate about trying to get to know Him better ever since. My wife and I long to see the power and passion of the first Christ-followers come to life in our time. I have written a book about our experiences in non-traditional church, called, "Beyond Church: An Invitation To Experience The Lost Word Of The Bible--Ekklesia." If you need encouragement, search for: Elephants Encouraging The Room and/or check out my Amazon author page. Thank you!

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