You are my friends if you do what I command (John 15:14).

I learned a life lesson on my first job at a dairy store in Richfield, Minnesota. I worked there all the way through high school and college under three different owners. I guess I was part of the furniture!

The first boss I had was arrogant.  He liked to give out orders and then correct us harshly if we made mistakes. He treated us like dirt.  Being teenage boys, we secretly did what we could to disobey him. We had no respect for him. He was eventually replaced, and the new supervisor was kind. He did not give orders. He always asked us to do something with a “please” and “thank you.” We went out of our way to please him. While I cannot remember his name, I do remember how he treated us.

A few days ago, we talked about Jesus as our friend. Yes, we are to obey Him, but he issues commands as a friend, in a kind manner. He certainly could lord it over us. He is the Son of God! Instead, He chooses to treat us with kindness. His commands are not burdensome. He does not order us around like a cruel dictator. He speaks to us out of love and friendship. We went out of our way to work hard for a supervisor who treated us with kindness. Should we not go out of our way to work hard for Jesus?

Our Father, kind and gracious, I thank You that Jesus relates to us as a friend. I do want to obey Him because of His kindness. Because He is one with You, Father, in possession of awesome power,  He could treat us with harshness and threats. I am so grateful that the God I serve is kind. In His name, Amen.