by Jonathan Perz
In John 15:14, the Lord Jesus says, "You are my friends, if you do whatever I command you." Amazingly enough, one word within this phrase causes much difficulty. It is the word "IF." Though only two letters long, it is one of the most powerful words in scripture. Why? Because it implies a condition that must be met for the statement to be true. In order to maintain a friendship with the Lord, one must do whatever He commands. Jesus states this in plain language in John 15:14.