By Cindy Vandermause

James 2:23 states: “And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,’ and he was called God’s friend.”

Do I believe as a Christ follower that I am God’s friend? Not just believe that truth in my head, but also let it sink deep into my heart and affect how I live out each day?

What is a friend? The definition of friend according to Webster is “one attached to another by affection or esteem. A person who you like and enjoy being with. A person who helps or supports someone or something.”

I do experience that type of friendship with people… people who love me despite my messiness, enjoy spending time with me and walk with me through life’s painful times.

But I struggle with receiving that kind of love and friendship from God. I think I have to please Him and do more for Him. I feel like he is disappointed in me when I mess up.

Living like that is tiring. I cannot do enough or be perfect enough to please God and earn his love. He just wants me to receive it. He loves me in my brokenness. He enjoys being with me. He is always there to love and support me.

I choose to believe that today. It’s a choice every day to believe that and rest in that. It’s a choice every day to spend time with Him. That is where full acceptance and peace is found.

Cindy Vandermause is guest relations director at Green Bay Community Church