The Friendship Test

The difference between being loved and being liked by God

“I’m a friend of God.” It is easy to say. The real question is whether it feels true.

Many believers accept that God loves them because Scripture says so. Verses like Romans 5:8 remind us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Not after self improvement. Not after therapy. Not after discipline. While we were still insecure, traumatized, and flawed.

But love can feel distant. Obligatory. The kind of love that exists because it must.

Some quietly believe God loves them because He has to. It is His role. His responsibility.

God puts up with me because He is holy

The truth is this, God chose you before you ever chose Him.

Jesus Christ is King. Jesus Christ is Lord. His sacrifice was not reluctant. It was intentional. He did not endure the cross out of irritation. He endured it for joy set before Him.

The deeper struggle is not whether God loves you. It is whether you believe He likes you. That He delights in your laugh. That He is not rolling His eyes at your immaturity. That He is not counting the minutes until you improve.

Friendship implies enjoyment. Presence. Closeness.

Do you see yourself as someone heaven is glad to be near?

Focus Point

God’s love is chosen, not forced.