Daily Power #47

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13)

Not so long ago, if one person said another person was their “friend,” you knew exactly what they meant. A friend was someone who shared common interests or bonds, who you enjoyed being around, someone you did life with. But in our social-media-savvy world, it’s not that simple anymore, is it?

A “friend” can be someone you’ve never met #IRL (in real life). Now it might be some person who follows what you post on Pinterest or Instagram. And if they follow you, but you don’t follow them back, that’s one kind of friend. And if you follow them, but they don’t follow you, then that’s another kind of friend. And if you both follow each other, even that’s a different kind of friend.

Sadly enough, however, the average American now says they have only two friends they would consider “close.” Sadder still, about 25 percent of Americans say they have zero friends—no one! With technology and social media, we have an infinite number of connections, but few friends whom we really know and love.

Jesus chose only twelve men to work with closely during the three years of his public ministry. He didn’t count the thousands who came to hear him speak as confidants. He concentrated his attention and invested in only a dozen.

Who are you investing in as your friend? How can you love your real friends, not just your virtual ones, more like Jesus today?

Power Lift

Lord, I want to be a true friend and invest in the people you’ve brought into my life. Give me wisdom about who to love and trust and about how best to love them the way you do.