5. Savior, Lord, and Friend

When we receive God's forgiveness, how does our relationship with Jesus change? Everyone has failed to live a pure life, so we know that we are dependent on God for everything. As He gives us both forgiveness and a new life, God becomes our Savior. In empowering us to live that new life, He also becomes our Lord. A Lord is someone who leads and directs His servants, and they follow and obey. He protects His servants and provides them with everything they need to thrive and to serve Him. But He's not only our Lord, He also wants to be our closest friend. Before Jesus died, He actually called His followers friends. When He came back to life, the first thing He wanted to do was share a meal with His friends. He showed them the wounds in His hands and side to demonstrate that He died and rose again because He loved them and wanted to be with them forever. And every day He's with us. Forgiving, guiding, strengthening, and protecting us from every enemy, including the evil still inside us, as our Savior, Lord, and also as our friend.