How is it possible to become a friend of God who is holy, omnipotent, all-wise, and all-loving?

on Dec 18, 2025

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: How is it possible to become a friend of God who is holy, omnipotent, all-wise, and all-loving? I’ve been following a podcast about befriending Jesus, but it makes me a little nervous to hear all the propaganda that sounds like he can be our buddy and pal. I grew up in a church that taught reverence to the Almighty God. At the same time, there is something in me that says He can be closer than a distant God in Heaven. – F.J.

A: Think of how a friendship develops between people. We’re introduced and learn about one another. Relationships seldom flourish without conversation and being together. So it is in developing a relationship with God. The Lord loves His own and wants to be a friend in a far deeper way than any human friend.

Wen we turn to Him and ask Him to come into our lives and free us from sin that besets us, He will forgive and receive us as His own. When that becomes a reality, we must learn of Him and obey Him. How is this done? By reading His Word. This is how God speaks to our hearts. This is how the Lord opens our minds to understanding what He has done for us and what He wants to teach us. Then, through prayer, we learn how to open our hearts to Him and pour out our innermost thoughts and concerns.

Jesus said, “I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15, NIV). What a marvelous truth. When we truly love someone, we want to spend time with them. Each day, we can spend time alone with God. This is how close relationships develop. Even when we may not feel His presence, by faith we know that He is still with us, for He has promised He will never leave us alone (see Hebrews 13:5).

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)