He's a Friend of Mine

“He’s a Friend of Mine” was written by John Henry Sammis, best known for the hymn “Trust and Obey.” Sammis, who was both a businessman and later a Presbyterian minister, wrote many gospel songs that emphasize the simplicity of faith and the deep assurance that comes from walking with Christ. In this hymn, Sammis presents the believer’s relationship with Christ as a friendship, echoing the words of Jesus in John 15:15 where He calls His disciples friends rather than servants. The song’s central theme is that because Jesus is our friend, there is no need for fear, doubt, or excessive worry.

The hymn beautifully balances the personal and the theological. On the one hand, it conveys a tender and intimate relationship with Jesus, who is not distant or unapproachable but a true friend who cares. On the other hand, it carries a strong message of Christian confidence and trust. Each stanza reassures the believer that Christ knows our needs, provides His presence, and gives peace in the face of life’s difficulties. It points to the sufficiency of Christ’s friendship, which brings comfort and security in times of uncertainty.

Over the years, “He’s a Friend of Mine” has been cherished by congregations for its warmth and its simple but profound testimony of faith. Like Sammis’s other works, it serves both as a hymn of personal devotion and a communal declaration of confidence in the Lord. It reminds believers that, unlike earthly friendships which may falter, the friendship of Christ is constant and eternal. This makes the hymn not only a comfort but also an invitation for others to know Jesus as their unfailing Friend.