The Apostle John called himself 'the disciple whom Jesus loved.' This fueled his passion for the Gospel and his love for Jesus. John's identity was in Christ. He knew Jesus loved him and that he would never leave or forsake him. Friendship love means loving your friends no matter what and staying with them through good times and bad. We can obey the Greatest Commandment to love God and others when we feel secure and built up in Jesus' love.

A friend loves at all times. (Proverbs 17:17)

Paul was in prison when he wrote the book of Philippians and said, "I have found the secret of being content no matter the circumstances." The Bible tells us peace is possible and commands us not to covet. If we rejoice in the Lord, we won't desire what others have or be disappointed by troubles. Joy and peace are possible because our identity is in Christ, no matter what. If you have joy in the Lord, you will have peace.

Rejoice in the Lord always; (Philippians 4:4)

Sarah was angry about her barrenness and didn’t believe she would be the mother of nations as God promised. She wouldn't trust God's wisdom or timing and tried to fulfill his promise with her plan. Sarah's disappointments turned to bitterness, and she lost her joy and laughter. When we complain and give up on people and life, we lack patience and love and resent God. Sarah learned patience through a renewed identity in God when she birthed Isaac at 90.

Is anything too hard for the LORD? (Genesis 18:14)

Naomi leaves Bethlehem because of a famine and travels to Moab with her husband and two sons. Her husband dies in Moab, and her sons marry Moabite women. When her sons die, Naomi and her daughters-in-law are left widowed and childless. Ruth knew that even though her circumstances were not good, God's all-wise plan always worked for good, even if she couldn't see it. God works in ordinary ways in our everyday lives.

Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. (1 Timothy 6:11)

God promised Abraham he would have more children than the stars in the sky and all nations would receive blessings through him. What made Abraham great was God’s calling and testing of his life and Abraham’s faith in God. God continually tested Abraham by calling him from comfortable places to uncertain situations. Like Abraham, God tests us to grow our faith so we can let go of our false “gods” and look to the one true God for our identity.

It is impossible to please God without faith. (Hebrews 11:5-6)

Joseph was the favored son of Jacob and Rachael. Although he was tempted with the sins of power and pride as he rose from a pit to a palace prince ruling Egypt, he had the self-control to resist because he didn’t want to sin against God. He knew God was always with him, and he trusted him. Joseph’s identity was in God. God blessed Joseph, turning what others meant for harm into good, and made him a blessing to others.

God gives us power for self-control. (2 Timothy 1:7)