Mark 26:50 – and Jesus said unto Him, “Friend.”

God’s purpose in our lives is tied to relationships and not always enjoyable ones. But God can turn your rejection into direction. As you look back, you realize it was persecution that taught you perseverance, and rejection that taught you forgiveness. These are character producing times in our Christian lives. It’s much easier to forgive the actions of men when you understand the purposes of God.

The challenge to sit at the table with John & Judas, and love them equally even when you know each ones agenda. We all want a friend like John who will love us, or Peter who will fight for us. Peters’ misguided love would have stopped Jesus from going to the cross, but through Judas He reached His goal. That’s why Jesus kissed him and called him, “friend.”

~ Pastor Turner