James Smith, ‘The Love of Christ! The Fullness, Freeness, and Immutability of the Savior’s Grace Displayed!’

 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. John 15:15

Jesus manifests His love, as the Friend of His people. He . . .
fills every relation to them,
performs every kind office for them, and
comforts them with divine consolations.

He invites them to pour their griefs into His bosom, and tell out all their troubles before Him. He holds communion with them, and indulges them to converse with Him as a man with his friend. He encourages them by assurances of His love, and fortifies them by promises of His presence. “Fear thou not;” He says, “for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10

His power, His riches, His wisdom, and His Spirit are devoted to their best interests, and employed for their present and everlasting welfare. He watches over them in tender love, and listens to them with compassionate concern.

He is a friend who loves at all times, a brother born for adversity. His love, in its immutability, fullness, and perfection, is the great bulwark of their safety; and His friendship, is the joy of their hearts. He sticks closer than a brother, and never will fail or forsake the soul that trusts in Him.

He performs all the kind offices of friendship . . .
in sickness and health,
in plenty and poverty,
in life and death.

He has Heaven and earth at His command, as the friend of the defenseless soul. He has all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, as the companion of the ignorant and fearful. He calls His people, friends, and presents Himself to them as their friend for their comfort, confidence, and joy.

O how the love of Jesus shines in His friendship! As our friend, He . . .
lived in our world,
suffered in our place,
died in our stead,
rose as our representative, and
ascended to Heaven, where He continually makes intercession for us!

He acknowledges that I am an undeserving vile worm, yet calls me His friend! He knows the worst parts of my character, and yet He says, “You are mine! I have chosen you, and will not cast you away!”

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

What a Friend we have in Jesus,
  All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
  Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
  O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
  Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?
  Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged,
  Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
  Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness,
  Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden,
  Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
  Take it to the Lord in prayer;
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
  Take it to the Lord in prayer;
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
  Thou wilt find a solace there.

-Joseph Scriven

Is Jesus in Your Boat?