Tuesday, August 31 I have called you friends.​—John 15:15.

[Áine]

Tuesday, August 31

I have called you friends.—John 15:15.

 

Good friends will help us to stay loyal to Jehovah. And the best way to make good friends is to be a good friend. (Matt. 7:12) For example, the Bible encourages us to expend ourselves in behalf of others, especially those who are “in need.” (Eph. 4:28) When we are absorbed in helping others, we are more likely to be happy. (Acts 20:35) The friends we make will support us when we face trials, helping us to maintain our inner peace. Just as Elihu listened when Job spoke about his trials, our friends help us by patiently listening as we put our concerns into words. (Job 32:4) We should not expect our friends to make decisions for us, but we are wise if we listen to their Bible-based advice. (Prov. 15:22) And just as King David humbly accepted the help of his friends, we should not be too proud to accept the help our friends offer when we are in need. (2 Sam. 17:27-29) Really, such good friends are a gift from Jehovah.—Jas. 1:17. w19.04 11 ¶12; 12 ¶14-15

[Amygdala]

So many great points in today's text!

[Elnathan]

Jesus dealt with his imperfect disciples in a loving way & continued to share the things he learned from his Father, by revealing his inner thoughts & feelings to them. He thought more about helping others than about pleasing himself. 

 

# He taught us not to be easily offended with/by other imperfect people like us.
# Avoid freezing people in time by holding their past mistakes against them permanently. 
We need to ask ourselves: Am I following his example by doing everything in my power to maintain peace with my fellow believers & continue to love, support & call them Friends?

[Vinnie]

 How comforting it is to hear someone say - “you are my friend”. It makes us feel warm and special inside. What a wonderful gift from Jehovah.