Why is Abraham called a friend of God?
Here are some ideas:
- Isaiah says it, and James says that “doing good” has something to do with it. (Isa. 41:8; Jas. 2:23)
- Augustine describes friendship as a “sharing of the counsels of the heart.” (Edward C. Sellner Like a Kindling Fire: Meanings of Friendship in the Life and Writings of St Augustine. Spirituality Today, Autumn 1991, Vol. 43, No. 3, pp. 240-257.) God asks, rhetorically, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?” (Gen. 18:17-19) Immediately afterward, Abraham accepts the invitation to “sharing counsel with God,” asking Him six times to consider not destroying Sodom and Gomorrah. (18:20-33)
- Abraham and God share a willingness to give their only sons over to death in hopes of resurrection. (Gen. 22:15-17; John 3:16; Heb. 11:17-19)
- Jesus says “You are my friend, if you obey what I command you.” (John 15:14) Noticeably, He says, “what I command you,” not “my commandments.” In offering up Isaac, Abraham was doing what he was commanded, not following a law.
While these examples are not reducible to the moral abstractions that follow, the following four points are a good framework for becoming God’s friend:
- Do good. Like James says, show your faith by your works.
- Share counsel. Look at what God is up to in the world, and ask him questions about it.
- Trust God with His gifts. This one hurts the most. Trust God, even when He requires you to give up the most beautiful gifts He’s given you.
- Obey. Obey his commandments in general, as well as whatever particular thing He calls you to.
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