"He Calls Me Friend" by John M. Perkins is a profound exploration of the healing power of friendship in a world plagued by loneliness. Perkins illuminates the transformative impact of authentic relationships and the vital role they play in our well-being. With wisdom and compassion, the book reminds readers of the profound love and acceptance found in true friendship, offering hope and inspiration in our quest for connection and belonging.

This was a delightful surprise. Friendship. Jesus calls us friends and commands us to love Him first and others like ourselves. So we should love like a friend. Be a friend, become a friend.

Perkins addresses the topic in 4 sections:

1. Friendship with God
2. Friendship with Jesus
3. Friendship with the Holy Spirit
4. Friendship with Others

He starts by walking us through the 'first' friends of God: Adam/Eve, Abraham, Moses and David to demonstrate particular characteristics of His character. Then Perkins explores how Jesus befriended the disciples and then how the Holy Spirit enables friendship with Him and with others.

He provides personal insights from his own life, including friends 'letters' sharing about their friendship with the author. Perkins has been an agitator for racial reconciliation all his life and clearly sees opportunities for much of the angst in society being healed through people becoming friends. Perhaps it's a little idealistic but we as Christians should be leading the charge as God has clearly called us to be friends and become friends.

It's inspiring and encouraging. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary early ebook version of the book from the publisher via NetGalley with no expectation of a favourable review.

He created mankind so that we might know Him and make Him known, serve Him and worship Him forever. So every person already has that God-given worth. It's our responsibility and privilege to affirm it in others. We affirm individuals by how we greet and respond to them; by how we look them in the eyes and acknowledge their presence. An African proverb says, "When I saw you from afar, I thought you were a monster. When you got closer, I thought you were just an animal. When you got even closer, I saw that you were a human, but when we were face to face I realized that you were my brother.

Why in the world of social media, with sharing and likes, are we in the age of loneliness? This text deals with the problem and has a solution. The problem is in ourselves. Not that everyone agrees, or has the same lifestyle, the same religion, or the same color of skin. It is our hearts. We are threatened (every single of one of us) on the differences of another. So the solution would be to see others differently.

John Perkins is the right man to speak to this as he has dealt with bigotry, violence and rejection. He has overcome that with the Spirit of God. He shares his story and what it took for him to be a friend. Starting with our friendship with God, we begin to see others in the image of God. Understanding that fully brings you to a humility that overflows to walking in the spirit. Walking in the spirit is walking in the fruit of the spirit. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This of course is not our nature but the nature of God.

We also must remember, friendships are lasting not in programs (not that they can begin there) but when we enter into life with those others. When we share not only joy but sorrow. When we share what hinders us and what frees us. Doing life together is a time commitment that must be thought out and valued. When I think of this, I think of the scope. How many people can you be that for and do it well? That is my struggle.

This is a great reminder of the value of friendship. First with God and then those that God puts in your life if for a season or a life time. Highly recommend.

A Special Thank You to Moody Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

Dr. Perkins has written a beautiful book on the subject of Friendship which is much needed in our world today. Drawing from his expansive life experiences and wonderful group of friends, Perkins offers hope to all of us who are plagued with loneliness in our lives.

In an attractive conversational style, Dr. Perkins presents the Biblical idea that we were all made to be friends of God, so therefore we should be friends with one another. Each chapter contains a whole host of illustrations, personal anecdotes, and Bible verses which are very readable, understandable, and shareable.

This would be a great book for church fellowship teams, as well as visitor follow up ministries in local congregations because it beautifully describes what makes people seek God's love in the first place.

The study questions at the end of the book are ideal for church boards, Christian families, and small house groups to discuss.

Wonderful words from John M. Perkins that call for love, faith, and unity in our age of negativity and discontent. Perkins points to friendship and loving your neighbor as essential element of transformation. I recall seeing this author speak years ago — and his message is just as strong and worth noting today.