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Devotions based on week 6 of Joy in the Journey: Friendship (WATCH HERE)

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Philippians 2:25 I also considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, coworker, and fellow soldier, as well as the one you sent to serve me in my need.

In this single verse, the Apostle Paul gives us a rich picture of what it means to be a godly friend. Epaphroditus, though relatively unknown in Scripture, is held in the highest regard by Paul. His introduction in Philippians 2:25 is filled with terms that reflect the deep spiritual value of friendship rooted in Christ. Paul calls him “my brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier,” and reminds the Philippians that he was their chosen messenger, sent to care for Paul in his need.

How would you be described as a friend?  How would you describe your friends? 

As we seek to grow in our understanding of what it means to be godly friend, these four descriptors are certainly worth focusing on.

1. A Godly Friend Is a Brother

Paul first calls Epaphroditus a brother. The bond that brought Paul and Epaphroditus together was the blood of Jesus.  Rooted in Christ, their relationship shared membership in the family of God by faith in Jesus.  To be sure, the blessing of having a Christian friend is seeing them as a family member, a brother or sister in Christ.  

What does this mean for a friendship?  We get to love them with the deep love that only family can share.  Family members are committed to one another.  Family members are there for each other.  Children of God value and treasure a relationship that shares the common connection to the cross of Christ.  They walk with you not because of what you can offer them, but because you are both children of God.  Like Solomon says in Proverbs 17:17: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”

2. A Godly Friend Is a Co-Worker in the Gospel

When we share brotherhood in the family of God, we share together the work of God. Epaphroditus was a partner in gospel work. He was an encouragement to Paul.  He helped to share the Gospel and nurture the faith of those that heard the Gospel.  He was there to support, uplift, and work alongside Paul for the sake of the Gospel.  Friendship in Christ means a focus on the work of Christ.  We get to encourage one another to serve God, to stay in the Word, and to pursue spiritual growth as well as share the Gospel and point people to Jesus.  

It’s why Paul could say of all his brothers and sisters in Christ at Philippi (Philippians 1:3-5), “3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 Every time I pray for all of you, I always pray with joy, 5 because of your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.”

3. A Godly Friend Is a Fellow Soldier

A soldier stands in the trenches. He fights for something bigger than himself. To be a “fellow soldier” means that Epaphroditus was battle-tested, resilient, and dependable. A godly friend doesn’t run when things get hard. They pray, stand, and fight beside you even when life is difficult.  Godly friends do hard things for others. “Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:3).

4. A Godly Friend Serves Sacrificially

Paul finishes by saying that Epaphroditus was the one “you sent to take care of my needs.” That word serve implies personal sacrifice. The journey from Philippi to Rome was over 800 miles by foot and ship. Yet, Epaphroditus was willing to risk his health to travel to assist Paul while he was imprisoned. That’s not casual friendship. It’s Christ-like love in action.  Godly friends sacrifice when the need is real.  They are willing to put their own needs and physical well-being aside to help a friend in need.  As Jesus said and then modeled, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13).

A godly friend is one who walks with you in God’s truth, stands with you in the storms of life, and points each other to Jesus.

 

Apply: Consider how Paul described Epaphroditus.  Which characteristic presents the greatest opportunity for you?  What is one thing you can do today to become a better friend?

Prayer: Father, thank You for the gift of godly friendships. Teach me to be like Epaphroditus, to love like family, serve with purpose, fight with faith, and care with compassion. Help me to be the kind of friend who builds others up in Christ. Strengthen my relationships and use them for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Devotions based on week 6 of Joy in the Journey: Friendship (WATCH HERE)

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Philippians 2:22–24 “But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.” (NIV)

Before World War II, Dwight D. Eisenhower was a relatively unknown U.S. Army officer. He graduated from West Point in 1915 and served in various peacetime posts, often overshadowed by more prominent names. Despite his abilities, he hadn’t seen combat during World War I and spent many years in staff positions. For decades, he labored in relative obscurity, known for his competence but not yet tested in crisis.

That all began to change when World War II broke out.

In 1941, General George Marshall recognized Eisenhower’s strategic brilliance and calm under pressure. Eisenhower was promoted rapidly, first to brigadier general, then major general. He showed the character and capability to handle complex operations. His planning during the North Africa campaign (Operation Torch) proved decisive.

But it was only after proving himself in these operations, through rigorous planning, servant leadership, and his ability to unify Allied forces, that Eisenhower was chosen for the most critical role of the war: Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe.

That role culminated in leading the D-Day invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944—the largest amphibious assault in history. The success of D-Day marked the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany and cemented Eisenhower as one of the most effective military leaders in history.

Like Timothy, Eisenhower didn’t leap into leadership overnight. He spent years serving faithfully in roles that seemed small. But his proven character in moments of challenge opened the door for greater influence.

In Philippians 2:22, Paul says of Timothy, “You know that he has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.”

In life, especially in the church or in spiritual leadership, God often works the same way. He shapes leaders in the hidden places first in service, obedience, and humility. When character is proven, trust follows.

This is true of godly friendships too.  God is using each situation to refine you into a person of godly character to be a godly servant to all.  A friend is one who is reliable, trustworthy…proven.

Unfortunately, we all struggle with a broken character because of sin.  We need God’s Spirit to mold our mind, our heart, and our action to mirror the love, grace and forgiveness that Jesus has won for us.  

At the heart of Timothy’s proven character was a heart that had been tested and refined by the Spirit of God.  The same is true for us.  To be a godly friend is to continue to invite the Spirit of God to mold our character into the likeness of Jesus.  As this happens often and regularly, it can, by God’s grace, be said of us, “That is a friend of proven character.”

 

Apply: Like Timothy, grow your character over time. It’s not about being noticed. I’s about being faithful in the ordinary.  What opportunities are on your schedule today where God can use them to refine your heart, mind and character?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the faithful servant who never failed. Thank You for giving Your perfect life for me. Forgive my inconsistency and selfishness. Shape in me a character like Timothy’s who was faithful, caring, and centered on You. Help me serve others not for recognition, but out of love. Build in me a life that reflects Your grace. Amen.

Devotions based on week 6 of Joy in the Journey: Friendship (WATCH HERE)

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Philippians 2:19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20 To be sure, I have no one else like him, who will be genuinely concerned about your welfare. 21 For, the others all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.

We live in a time when friendship can feel shallow.  Friends are defined by a quick “follow” on facebook, an emoji, or passing acquaintances. Interactions are brief looking at digital images or AI generated responses to your posts.  We believe that the 100 people who respond to our birthday reminder can count as friends and perhaps feel like we are valued by the number likes our vacation photos receive.

Is this the mark of a true friend?

Maybe even defining what a true friend is difficult.

However, I think most would agree that a true friend really knows you and is more than a passing digital remark.

The Apostle Paul speaks of his friend and Gospel partner Timothy with a characteristic that is hard to find, but is found in a true friendship.

“I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare.”

Paul wasn’t impressed by status or charisma.  He didn’t care if he got recognition on his birthday, he was tuned into and deeply moved by Timothy’s heart. What set Timothy apart wasn’t his talents but his genuine care. He didn’t treat people like projects.  He didn’t connect with them to fill his personal ego or take from them for personal needs.  He truly loved the people God had placed in his life and cared about their whole well-being—physically, emotionally, and most importantly, spiritually.

He REALLY wanted to know how they were doing.

Timothy took time to ask AND he took time to listen.  Timothy took time to care AND to make sure the people around him were ok.

Why was this so different and stood out (shone like a star in the dark universe)?

Because most people look out for their OWN interests.  Sadly it’s easy to fall into this trap.  Life gets busy and we default to what’s convenient fo us.

Few engage in friendships and relationships to exhibit the interest of Christ. Timothy was one.  His relationships were not about convenience but calling. His care was shaped by the love and mission of Christ.

In all his relationships, he wanted to model the attitude of Christ: Humility and love…genuine humility and love. 

So, do you show genuine interest in your friends?

Ask yourself:

• Do I know my friends well enough to care for them in a meaningful way?
• Do I make space to understand what’s really going on beneath the surface?
• Am I just present in good times—or do I walk with them through adversity?

A godly friend takes a genuine concern in the lives of others.

Apply: Reach out to a friend—not with a quick “How are you?”—but with sincere intent to know and care for them. Ask about their spiritual walk. Offer encouragement or prayer. Let your care reflect the love of Christ.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for being the Friend who knows and loves me deeply. Help me reflect Your heart in my friendships. Give me eyes to see the needs of others, and the courage to care in ways that matter. Shape my love to look like Yours—genuine, sacrificial, and rooted in truth. Amen.

Isaiah 40:27-31 Why do you complain, Jacob?   Why do you say, Israel,

“My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God”?

28 Do you not know? Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.

29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;

31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

As the after effects of a tragedy or hardship linger on, the challenge is to keep going and not give up.  After only a week, the national attention on the Texas flooding has waned and the attention shifts to something else.  

Hard things take our emotional, physical and spiritual energy.  We can feel tired, drained and even despondent.

I love these verses from Isaiah 40 as the prophet just got finished speaking of what God would do to enemy nations, but also to Israel.  It wouldn’t be easy. It would seem like God is absent and complaints would come easy.  

So Isaiah reminds God’s people. 

God doesn’t grow tired.  He created this universe and sustains it.

God doesn’t forget about you.  He knows each of you by name.

God doesn’t go weak on us. He is the one who is all powerful.

He gives us strength every day, but especially when we need it.

He gives strength to our soul to know that we are loved, known and deeply cared for.

He gives strength to our bodies by allowing rest and opportunity to recharge.

He gives rest to our emotions by inviting us to cast all our burdens and cares on him.

He has not forgotten.

He still loves you and cares about you.

What has happened is for you not against you.

He will give you daily bread…even as you try to figure out the future.

He will surround you with the right people at the right time.

He will give peace to your soul knowing your biggest problem in life is taken care of and ultimately heaven is your home where there will be no more trouble or mourning or pain or hardship or loss or heartbreak.  It will be perfect peace with Him, the God who gives us strength to soar even when the challenge seems large and overwhelming.

 

Apply: What are you going through today that needs strength from the Lord?  Ask him and see how he answers!

Prayer: Lord, when we feel forgotten or weary, remind us that You are the everlasting God. You never grow tired, and Your understanding is limitless. Renew our strength, Lord. Help us to wait on You with hope, to rise on wings like eagles, to run and not grow weary, to walk and not faint. Amen.

The flooding tragedy in Texas is slipping from the news headlines, but the search for the missing continues, the funerals for the deceased begin, and the families that lost everything are working to put together what the next season of life brings.  

How do you move on?

As the shock of a tragedy wanes and the reality of the loss sinks in, one can begin to wonder, “How do I move on?” or “What is next?”

The memories and the trauma don’t go away.  The loved one doesn’t come back.  The history in your mind can never be erased.

Moving on is hard.  Picking up the pieces of memories can be hard.

Let’s not underestimate the challenge.  Let’s keep praying for peace for those affected and as we are able to offer assistance to those finding themselves in need.

Along with the practical, let me offer a few Bible passages of promise that help in any tragedy, personal or widespread.  File these away.  Use them personally.  Share them with someone who is going through the heartache.

1. Lamentations 3:22–23 (ESV)

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

In the middle of a book full of grief and mourning over Jerusalem’s destruction, this verse reminds us that God’s love and mercy remain constant.  No tragedy can remove his love.  No loss includes the mercy of God.  You are loved. 

2. Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Sometimes in the middle of loss, we believe the lie that God has abandoned us.  This is simply not true. This verse reassures us that God is near in our pain and that He cares deeply about our sorrow and suffering.

3. Isaiah 61:1–3 (NIV)

“…He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners…
to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.”

Jesus fulfilled these verses and comes to bring us all we need: freedom, joy, and reason for praise.  As we are connected with Jesus, we can anticipate that out of the extreme hardship, he will bring healing, restoration, and a new beginning, showing that God transforms grief into joy.

4. 2 Corinthians 4:8–9 (NIV)

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

Can you relate with these emotions: “hard pressed, perplexed, abandoned”?  Tragedy seems overwhelming, and it can be.  Hardship can confuse us.  Suffering sometimes feels very lonely.  Yet as Paul acknowledges these things, he also finds strength to be resilient and realized that he is not crushed, not alone, and not destroyed. With the strength of the Lord, it’s about enduring and rising again after being knocked down.

5. Revelation 21:4 (NIV)

“‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Tragedies we experience on earth, don’t have the final say.  Because of the love of God and the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, we have heaven to look forward to.  Our suffering, as difficult as it is is temporary.  Our time with Jesus is forever.  We have a future where tragedy is not the final say.!

 

Apply: Memorize one of these five verses and find one person to share it with who needs the promise of God amidst a season of hardship.

Prayer:  Lord, in the midst of our brokenness, we cling to Your unfailing love. Restore what’s been lost, bind our wounds, and breathe new hope into weary hearts. Help us trust Your purpose, even in pain. Turn our mourning into joy, and remind us daily that Your mercies are new. You are near, and You make all things new. Amen.