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