FRIENDSHIP
WITH GOD

The idea of the divine-human friendship originated with God. Had not God said first “Ye are my friends” it would be inexcusably brash for any man to say “I am a friend of God.” But since He claims us for His friends it is an act of unbelief to ignore or deny the relationship.…

The infinite God and the finite man can merge their personalities in the tenderest, most satisfying friendship. In such relationship there is no idea of equality; only of likeness where the heart of man meets the heart of God.…

The more perfect our friendship with God becomes the simpler will our lives be. Those formalities that are so necessary to keep a casual friendship alive may be dispensed with when true friends sit in each other’s presence. True friends trust each other.

There is a great difference between having “company” and having a friend in the house. The friend we can treat as a member of the family, but company must be entertained.

God is not satisfied until there exists between Him and His people a relaxed informality that requires no artificial stimulation. The true friend of God may sit in His presence for long periods in silence. Complete trust needs no words of assurance. Such words have long ago been spoken and the adoring heart can safely be still before God.

Unquestionably the highest privilege granted to man on earth is to be admitted into the circle of the friends of God.

Psalm 62:1, 5–8; Psalm 63; John 15:14–16; 1 John 1:1–3

That Incredible Christian, 145, 146, 148.