Kindness! We all want to receive kindness. Yet there are times when we are kind to others; there is a rejection. For example, have you ever went to shake someone’s hand, and they turned and walked away. Or try to give a gift to a friend and they decline it. How about offering to help them, and they rebuff the help. Are those the friendships we want? NO!
However, we have a friend in a king who pours out to us every day. He shows us what it is to be a friend and to be a friend. Jesus, our King, pours out his lavish riches of affection, regard, and favor on us. Jesus willingly pours these things out on us. How do we respond to Him? We should respond with friendship and gratitude.
Read John 17: 6-8. Here Jesus is praying for His branches, which were his disciples and us his followers. His disciples believed everything He said and received the gifts she shared. They believed. This is how we should friend Jesus back, also.
Read John 1:10-13. What stands out to you in these verses about rejection versus acceptance? What’s the outcome for those who believe and accept? Reread John 17:6-8. Look at the parts that are God’s (the Father’s and Son’s). Then go back and look at the parts that are ours. Every day we have to accept Jesus. Every day we are choosing Him. It’s a journey of friendship. God is there every day with us. What messages is He sending to you daily? What gifts from hIm do you need to receive with an open hand? In what way do you need to believe in Jesus today?
Go to Revelation 3:20 and read it. Where is God in this picture? Where are you in this picture? What is God asking you to do here? What will happen if you respond to HIs knocking? End today with a few moments with God and communicate with what’s in your heart. God is good!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for being our good, good friend. I pray that we will return that friendship to you daily as long as we live.
In Jesus Name
Amen
