This weekend is Stake Conference in my stake, and the theme is 2 Nephi 33:6 “I glory in plainness; I glory in truth; I glory in my Jesus, for he hath redeemed my soul from hell.” Last night at the adult session of conference, a stake member performed an a capella version of What a Friend We Have in Jesus. I’ve always loved this hymn, and I wish it were in our hymnal. Often we talk about the majesty of God, but we forget that Jesus is supposed to be our friend. When telling His disciples about the impending atonement, He described it as laying down his life for his friends. See John 15:13.
What does it mean for Jesus to be a friend? I think it means we need to communicate with Him and be there for the important things. We do a great job of celebrating His birthday, having a month or so of parties. But do we take the time to think about Him on a regular basis? That’s what friends do.
One of my favorite quotes is by Antoinette Brown, who talks about learning to talk ok with God like she would to a friend. I’ be used it in a few of the lesson plans I have posted here: https://www.the-exponent.com/come-follow-me-exodus-24-31-34-my-presence-shall-go-with-thee/ and this one: https://www.the-exponent.com/january-young-women-lesson-why-is-jesus-christ-important-in-my-life/