“Here. Chew this.” 

How many people in your life—not including family—would you be able to walk up to, take the gum you are chewing out of your mouth, say that, and that person would do it without arguing? 

That’s a clue about the depth of friendship in the Bible where John writes, “I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face” (2 John 12).

The original Greek words that John used here literally say, “Talk with you mouth to mouth.” As in, “I want to see your lips moving—trembling when you’re sad, smiling when you’re happy, frowning when you’re angry. I want to talk and not just text or see your picture on my phone.”

Just like pen and ink weren’t enough for the apostle John to practice his friendship, Bible books and prophecies weren’t enough for Jesus. Jesus needed to come and visit face-to-face. “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son” (Hebrews 1:1,2). 

God loves you so much that he meets you face-to-face, mouth to mouth, life to life in Jesus. You have his words, but that’s not all. You have him.

Be that kind of friend to someone who needs you today.