Pastor’s Corner “Friendship with Jesus”

This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. – Jesus (John 15:12-14)

Most of us know the above words quite well. We recognize how close they are to the second great commandment that we recite each week at Immanuel: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” And we know, of course, that the “love” of which Jesus speaks is much more than a warm feeling—it is self-sacrificing action to bring about what is best for another person, what is truly life-giving for another even when it costs you your own life. (If you want a detailed teaching, pull Clancy McQuigg aside after church and say, “So what does agape really mean?” Seriously. Do it. He’s the red-bearded, denim-shorts-wearing former Marine greeting you in the Narthex.)

What does this kind of love look like on a day-to-day level? Here are a few examples within the Immanuel family from recent weeks:

·       I bumped into one of our men in the parking lot outside Gold’s Gym. He was on his way in to join some other guys for a workout, after which they were going to Starbuck’s together. They’ve been doing this for years, keeping tabs on each other and encouraging each other. I noticed one of the men standing in the doorway keeping a watchful eye, ensuring his friends made it safely across the parking lot into the gym.

·       One of the women in our church checks in regularly with another member, ensuring she has rides to appointments, help with tech issues, and opportunities for connection.

·       On Friday I received a text from a parishioner telling me the Lord nudged him in his devotional times to get more involved with church. He asked me for ideas as to ways he could serve.

·       Several members of our church take turns each week bringing Holy Communion to those who are in the hospital, or in a rehab center, or who are at home.

·       I just received an email from Kevin, with a photo of our beloved Pastor Sallie, sharing how he had delivered to her your notes of encouragement and care.

·       During Spring Break Immanuel’s youth spent one of their vacation mornings weeding and cleaning up the landscaping and parking lot surrounding our building.

·       The way Cheryl Timmons, Gary Motsek, and all of you came together to continue the worship of our God even with my unexpected sickness! (I'm recovering steadily and look forward to being with you on Sunday.)

These may seem like small deeds, but they are significant in the eyes of Jesus. So significant, in fact, that he gestures toward each of these people and says, “That’s one of my friends.”

Be on the lookout for simple, immediate ways to love someone. It will cost you something – time, energy, money, patience – but the reward is more life for you and for others.

And friendship with Jesus.

Your Pastor in Christ,