DAY 27 - REAL FRIENDS SHARE LIFE

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DAY 27 – Real Friends Share Life by Pastor Dick

Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only ones of the circumcision group who are serving with me in the kingdom of God.—Colossians 4:7–9 (NIV)

The Value of True Friendship

We live in a world where friendships sometimes feel like fast food—quick, easy, but not much nourishment. Real, deep friendships? They’re rare and precious, like finding a handwritten letter in your mailbox instead of a bill. Why?

Time can be tight.People might guard their hearts.Sometimes, we just don’t push past surface-level chats.

But God calls us to something better—a friendship where life is shared fully, truthfully, and lovingly.

A Biblical Example: Jonathan and David

One of the best examples of deep friendship is Jonathan and David. Talk about friendship goals!

In 1 Samuel 18:1, it says, “When David had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was bound to the soul of David, so that Jonathan loved him as his own soul.”

That’s not just buddy-buddy stuff—that’s soul-deep love.

Jonathan didn’t just like David; he committed to protect and encourage him, even when it was risky.

Their friendship shows us how true friends walk through life together—sometimes celebrating and sometimes standing guard.

God Has Someone for You

Just like Jonathan found David, God wants to bring a friend into your life—someone to walk beside you, pray with you, and cheer you on.

But that friendship starts with you. Be open, be kind, be willing. Remember Proverbs 18:24: “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Paul’s Close Friends: Tychicus and Onesimus

Paul also loved his friends deeply. He names two who stood by him:

• Tychicus: A faithful encourager and comforter with the heart of a shepherd. He stuck close to Paul through thick and thin, even prison walls.
  

• Onesimus: Once a runaway slave, he met Paul in prison, accepted Christ, and became a faithful, useful helper. His name means exactly that—“useful.”
  

Both show us what friendship and service in God’s kingdom look like.

Friendship and Service Go Hand in Hand

True friendship often grows from sharing life and serving side by side. When you step out to serve, you might just find a friend for life who changes you in the best ways.

Reflection Questions

• Would others describe you as a faithful, loyal friend? How do you show friendship?

• Do you have one or more close friends who truly know and care about you?

• Be intentional—reach out, invest time, kindness, and honesty. Remember, “Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family” (Proverbs 18:24, MSG).
  

Closing Prayer

Lord, thank You for the gift of friendship that blesses our lives. May I be a friend who encourages, supports, and loves deeply. Lead me to those You’ve placed in my life and help me build relationships that honor You. Amen.

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New Hope Church of God

1250 Waggoners Gap Rd

Carlisle, Pa

(717) 241-5544