Or, more aptly, what do you think Jesus is like?
I think so many people have a perception of God, big and
angry, sitting on a throne in heaven just waiting for the opportunity to strike
us down with lighting bolts of wrath whenever we mess up.
Why?
I’ll admit that I sometimes catch myself thinking of Jesus in same terms I would think of a mythical creature: distant,
unattainable, and far away. But
that’s just not true.
Last week was a rough week for me. My husband went back to medical school, which was a drastic
change to the amazing summer we just spent together. I was feeling lonely and a little sorry for myself, and two
of my best friends from college came to visit me.
It was such a great feeling to see them. To know that when I was feeling sad and bummed out on life,
I had people who were there for me that I could talk to.
So we talked.
We talked about life and our dreams and our heartache. We laughed and vented and told sad
stories over bacon dip and the wine that costs four dollars at publix.
And do you know what that is? That is love.
Friends that band together and just experience life for a minute. Are sad for a minute. Are happy for a minute. Just live for a minute. That is friendship, and that is love.
Jesus? He is my
friend.
And in moments like this weekend, I remember it even
more.
He’s always here, of course. But in moments where I experience such a pure form of
friendship, I am reminded of how that is exactly who Jesus is. He loves me relentlessly. He is not sitting around, waiting on me
to mess up. He is waiting on me to
accept His friendship. He beckons
me into a relationship with Him, but not one of rules and punishments, as we so
often think. But rather, one of
life. One of discussion. One of late night talks about dreams
and heartache, lost chances and hopes for the future. I may not know a lot, but I can confidently say I
truly believe that is the kind of friend Jesus is.
And if he was here in person, I think He would have been at
my girl’s night. He wouldn't have been sitting in the corner, scowling and waiting on us to mess up. Instead, I think He would
have laughed along and had a glass of wine with us. He would have listened to our sad stories and given us
advice on life, telling us not to worry. He would have hurt along with us as we hurt, and rejoiced over our small victories with us. Because that's just the kind of God that He is.
Jesus is a friend, you guys. I'm sorry if that's not the version of Jesus you were introduced to, but let me tell you from first-hand experience: He is the best friend you could ever have.
