MELL'S FRIENDS

Romans 15:1-7
1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For even Christ did not please Himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me." 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

I've always thought high school and college students are special. Having taught in the classroom at both levels, I've grown to love the enthusiasm and openness of this age group living on the edge of independence. But there is one particular group of 19- and 20-year-old college students who hold a special place in my heart.

Jessica, Stacey, Grace, Katie, Erin, Andrea, Jenny, Mandy, Tara, Kari, Betsy, Jaclyn, Heather--and several more. These are young women who were among my daughter Melissa's closest friends. They are the ones she played sports with, made silly videos with, went to the mall with, talked about boys with, drove to McDonalds with, studied with, and planned the future with. And many of them are the girls she spent her last day on earth with--June 6, 2002--the day God chose to have her enter heaven.

I love being with these girls because they share so many of Melissa's characteristics--her love of life; her open, beautiful smile; her grace-filled freedom that comes with faith; her exuberance; her pure joy of friendship. Being with them reminds me intensely of my daughter. They are so Mell-like. When I'm sitting around talking to these young women, I feel somehow connected to Melissa in a comforting way.

It's possible for us to provide a similar connectedness to Jesus for others if we openly and joyously live in a way that emulates Him. We can radiate the characteristics of Jesus in a way that will make people feel as if they have, in a sense, been with Him.

Jesus loved sacrificially. Jesus cared for the unlovely. Jesus obeyed the Father. Jesus lived humbly. Jesus prayed earnestly. Jesus met needs selflessly. Jesus protected God's holy name. Jesus served. Jesus wept. Can we strive to be like Him?

Next time you're with a group of people, think about how you can reflect Jesus' characteristics. And then watch how they respond. Be a friend who lives a Jesus-like life for others. --Dave Branon

DESTINATION POINTS

* In what ways do I choose to be like Jesus?
* What are some of the characteristics that I most admire in Him? How can I demonstrate those traits to others?
* When people recognize something Jesus-like in me, how can I help them to see that it's because of Him?

LINKS:
The Compassion Of Jesus
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0208

bottom line: My friends should see Jesus in me.

soul journey