Friends...

3We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. 6When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. 7Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. 8But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. 9And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. 10For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. 11So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.  (Romans  5:3-11)

These words are often spoken during times of trial, as well they should.  The truth of these words can not be argued for as we grow and develop as followers of Christ, we also grow more deeply in our friendships with Christ.  This passage reminds us that after all the preaching has been preached, after all the hymns have been sung, after all of the prayers have been prayed and all of the theology has been argued—Jesus Christ died  so that YOU could be friends with God. Do not take that friendship for granted; cultivate it, deepen it and express your appreciation for it every single day.