Becoming friends with God and Abraham

Why is Abraham called a friend of God?

Here are some ideas:

1. Isaiah says it, and James says that “doing good” has something to do with it. (Isa. 41:8; Jas. 2:23)
2. Augustine describes friendship as a “sharing of the counsels of the heart.” (Edward C. Sellner Like a Kindling Fire: Meanings of Friendship in the Life and Writings of St Augustine. Spirituality Today, Autumn 1991, Vol. 43, No. 3, pp. 240-257.) God asks, rhetorically, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?” (Gen. 18:17-19) Immediately afterward, Abraham accepts the invitation to “sharing counsel with God,” asking Him six times to consider not destroying Sodom and Gomorrah. (18:20-33)
3. Abraham and God share a willingness to give their only sons over to death in hopes of resurrection. (Gen. 22:15-17; John 3:16; Heb. 11:17-19)
4. Jesus says “You are my friend, if you obey what I command you.” (John 15:14) Noticeably, He says, “what I command you,” not “my commandments.” In offering up Isaac, Abraham was doing what he was commanded, not following a law.

 

While these examples are not reducible to the moral abstractions that follow, the following four points are a good framework for becoming God’s friend:

1. Do good. Like James says, show your faith by your works.
2. Share counsel. Look at what God is up to in the world, and ask him questions about it.
3. Trust God with His gifts. This one hurts the most. Trust God, even when He requires you to give up the most beautiful gifts He’s given you.
4. Obey. Obey his commandments in general, as well as whatever particular thing He calls you to.