peace to live by

Being True Friends of Christ, Part 1 (TMF:2633)

Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Peace to Live By: Being True Friends of Christ, Part 1 (TMF:2633) - Daniel Litton
(Tap to play feature or right-click to download)

       There in John 15, verse 14 says, “You are my friends if you do what I command you” (ESV). It often seems we read this verse as if it's an obligation. We read it like Jesus is saying, “I will count you as my friends if you do what I say—and you’d better do it or else!” That, however, seems to miss the point. It seems better understood when the underlying tone is just a statement of fact. That is how we will know we are friends, if we do what it is that he has commanded us. That’s how the world will know. Otherwise, and it seems commonsensical, what’s the point? Why would one call themselves a Christian, a Christ follower, and not do anything which the Bible says to do? Indeed, this leads to the despair and criticism that certain folks have over Christianity, in seeing those who are supposed to be different, supposed to be better than world, supposed to be sin-free, acting like the rest of the world. This becomes the problem.