Friday, May 11, 2012

friend or fiend

John 15:12-17

In today's gospel Jesus calls us friends.  IN fact he uses the term three times, almost as much as he uses the term love.

"No one has greater love than to lay down one's life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you."

If you notice in the english language there is only one letter that separates a friend from a fiend.

That little letter "r" is so important.  But it reminds us that to be friends requires details for the little things.

That is, laying down our life isn't just about dying for someone, rather it is about choosing to live for them.  It is a choice to pay attention to the details, to make sure the "r" is in the proper place lest the friend we think we are is viewed as a fiend instead.

Just pay attention today to those you call friends.

Are yo really?  Do let the commands of Christ transform the relationship?  IF not, then that friendship you think yo have may be something else less worthy.

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