Jesus Christ calls His people friends, and the friendship He offers is loyal, perfect, and far beyond the best human friendship. He proved it by dying for those who were still sinners and enemies, enduring spiritual separation from the Father so that they would never have to. Yet friendship requires loyalty from both parties. Jesus says, "You are My friends if you do whatever I command you," so His friends show their friendship by simple obedience that is active, continuous, and extends to everything He commands, not merely avoiding wrongs but loving one another, praying, worshiping, and serving. They do not pick and choose which commands to keep. They come in humble submission, asking, "Lord, what will You have me to do?" and so serve as friends rather than slaves. Loyal friendship with Christ is also lived out among the brethren, who are to long to assemble together, encourage one another, and stand by one another. John the Baptizer is the model of the friend of the bridegroom. He stood and heard the bridegroom's voice and rejoiced greatly at it, content to be sent before Christ. As one of the 144,000 saints, he will be among the loyal friends who make up the Bride of Christ at the marriage supper of the Lamb. Jesus' bride will first have been His friend, so each person must ask whether he is truly Christ's friend.