How do we know we are friends of Christ?

The assurance of being a friend of Christ stems from our faith and obedience. 1 John 3:23 emphasizes that His commandment is to believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another. Thus, genuine belief in Christ, coupled with a heart that seeks to love as He loves, affirms our friendship with Him. It's essential to recognize that this relationship is initiated by Christ; we do not choose Him, but He chooses us. Understanding His grace enables us to embrace our identity as His friends, demonstrating both faith and love for one another in our Christian walk.