I have a small cadre of friends who continue to help me without any sense of obligation or debt. I have never asked them for their reasons, and I do not knowingly take advantage of their position. Many have not always had this type of relationship with me. I do not always know when or why the relationship developed, however, I am confident in the existence of the relationship and what it means to both of us now.
Paul had these relationships. Of one person he said, “She's helped many a person, including me.” (Romans 16.2) This is just one of the marks of a true friend.
Frequently, I lose sight of just how good a friend God is to you and me. I forget the ways that he has helped me as well as every other human being. I do not take time to reflect and calculate the value of what He does for me specifically. I take for granted that God has always been there and always will be here. I find it very easy to push God's work away from sight and understanding.
It is clear to me that God has and continue to help many a person, including me. His offer to friendship to you and me is clear, unconditional, and unlimited. He believes in our value so much that He has already taken steps to provide exactly what is missing in our lives; the ability to have a true, growing, and never ending relationship with our God-creator. God approaches this friendship will full knowledge of every weakness and failing that we have, do, or will demonstrate.
True friendship is something rare and special. They also take two sides to consummate and make-work. The fact that God offers us true friendship does not mean that God or anyone else will ever force us into accepting it. I believe there will be a time where we will acknowledge the truth and validity of God's offer, however that is yet to come.
The question is simple. Do I want God's friendship?
Yes, yes!
