I have a friend named Nelson. We work together, play together, cry together, and often laugh together. Our friendship keeps growing.

Recently Nelson said he wanted me to conduct his funeral if he died before I did. I said, "Hold off on that request for a few years. I might disappoint you, and you might change your mind." "Oh no," he quipped, "that won't happen. You can't disappoint me any more than you already have."

We had a good laugh, but I began pondering his comment. Isn't that what it means to be a true friend-- knowing the disappointing side of a person's life yet continuing to accept him? Solomon described such a friend as one who "sticks closer than a brother," one who "loves at all times" (Prov. 18:24; 17:17). We all need someone like that in our lives.

Jesus wants to be that kind of friend to us. When we admit our sinful disobedience, ask for His forgiveness, and submit to Him, He becomes our Savior and Friend. Because He took the penalty of our sins upon Himself on the cross, nothing we've done, or may do, will turn Him away.

Jesus is one friend you can't afford to be without. Is He your Friend?  — Dennis J. De Haan