Freely Speaking Audio Devotion

Welcome to Freely Speaking, an OHSOFREE devotional ministry where we share our hearts and trust God for transformation.

Today’s devotion was written by Chelsea Durre.

“Greater love has no one than this; to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13 NIV).

Some of the most important relationships in our lives will be the friends that we keep. Most of us develop friendships as early as Kindergarten and can maintain a few of them throughout our lives. There is something special about a friend who has been there through it all. These friends have witnessed you at your best and worst and still choose to stick by your side.

Ten years ago, I moved to a town two hours away from my hometown. That also meant that I left the friends I had known my entire life and started over. It has been challenging to meet new friends and develop those deep bonds I had growing up. At times, I have felt lonely and ache to have those connections like I did back home. Maybe you can relate?

John 15:13 tells us that Jesus not only considers us His friends, but he loved us so much that he laid down his life for us. Talk about a friend who sticks by your side! We may not have to lay down our lives for our friends, but we are called to love one another like Jesus loved us.

We can practice sacrificial love for others in many ways. Maybe that means inviting someone to church who you know is struggling and offering to pray for them. Perhaps it's cooking an extra meal for someone who is fighting depression and can’t seem to find the strength to get out of bed. Maybe it’s as small as sending a card of encouragement to someone you know needs words of kindness. I know that in moments when I need more of something, God has called me to give more of that same thing to others.

This month I encourage you to look for ways to share kindness with others in your community. A beautiful friendship may emerge as a result.

Thank you for joining us today. If you would like to learn more about OhSoFree Ministries, please visit us at www.ohsofreeministries.com/