I have heard this verse throughout my life and read it on various shop knick-knacks and inspirational posters. However, until this past week, I assumed it was about earthly friends, but the reality is, John intended for us to view this as how Jesus treated us as His friends. He was the ultimate sacrifice to allow us to be forgiven for our transgressions.
I'm very new on my faith journey. I didn't even entertain the idea of God and Jesus Christ until I was 18, and even after that waiting period I did not regularly attend church until I was 20. I'm constantly falling short of His grace, but through this verse, I am never without it. My sins are forgiven so long as I turn back to God and seek retribution and guidance for the errors I can't break free of. It's hard to stand when facing the trials of this world, but it's never impossible because my best friend is with me through every step.
I'm not looking for a friend to lay down his life for me, because He already has. He has shown me love and support from the moment He created me to the moment He died for me to this moment I'm writing these words. It's hard to remember that, and it's another thing on my list of things to get better at.
I still feel anger. I still feel hatred. I still harbor burdens. I still feel alone. But when I remember He is the friend who laid down His life for me, I am no longer alone. And when I remember all that this friend has already done for me, how can I harbor grudges for another in their transgressions? How can I feel anger and hatred for someone when He knows all my insecurities and still shows me acceptance?
There is no greater love than Jesus Christ. May He bless all on this world that we may know Him and His Father and the Holy Spirit.
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