Called as Friends, Chosen to Bear Fruit

Called as Friends, Chosen to Bear Fruit

A few years ago, I was mentoring a young man in our church. He was eager to grow in his faith but felt frustrated because he thought following Jesus meant obeying rules without really knowing God personally. One afternoon, while walking through a quiet park, I shared John 15:14–16 with him. As we sat on a bench, I explained that Jesus doesn’t just want us to be His servants doing tasks blindly; He wants us as His friends—chosen, loved, and invited into His plans. In that moment, his eyes lit up. He realized that obedience isn’t about burden, but about relationship and purpose.

"Friendship with Christ transforms duty into delight."

Jesus said,

“You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants anymore, because a servant doesn’t know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me, but I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit and that your fruit should remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give you.” — John 15:14–16

This passage reminds us of three profound truths:

1. Obedience as Friendship: Jesus calls obedience the language of friendship. When we follow His commands, it’s not slavery—it’s intimacy. We walk in sync with our Master, understanding His heart.

2. Chosen and Appointed: We did not stumble into His love by accident. Jesus intentionally chose us, appointing us for a purpose. Our lives are not random; they are designed to bear fruit that lasts.

3. Fruit That Remains: True friendship with Jesus produces lasting fruit—love, joy, faith, service, and impact. When we act in His name, God honors it.

Personal Application:

• Take time this week to ask: Am I living as a servant of duty, or a friend of Jesus?

• Identify one area of your life where God is calling you to bear fruit—perhaps through mentoring, serving, or sharing your faith.

• Trust that the fruit you produce in obedience is lasting. Don’t measure success by immediate results; measure it by faithfulness.

Personal Reflection Questions:

1. In what ways can I grow deeper in friendship with Jesus today?

2. Where am I obeying out of obligation rather than love? How can I shift my heart?

3. What fruit is God calling me to produce that will have eternal impact?

Prayer:Lord Jesus, thank You for calling me Your friend and not just a servant. Help me to obey Your commands out of love and not duty. Teach me to walk intimately with You, trusting that You have chosen me and appointed me to bear fruit. May my life reflect Your love and bring lasting impact for Your Kingdom. Amen.