The Friends You Really Need
"That night, under cover of darkness, their friends got Paul and Silas out of town as fast as they could. They sent them to Berea where they again met with the Jewish community." Acts 17:10 (MSG)
Paul and Silas had just faced serious opposition in Thessalonica. A mob was stirred up against them for preaching about Jesus, and their lives were in danger. In that tense moment, their friends didn’t just say, “We’re praying for you.” They stepped in. They risked their own safety to get Paul and Silas out of town and helped them keep moving toward what God had called them to do.
I’ve had moments where I didn’t know how to keep going. A few years ago, I was weighed down with stress and questioning what my next step should be. One of my closest friends noticed, showed up without me asking, and prayed over me until peace came back. It didn’t fix everything overnight, but it reminded me I wasn’t carrying the weight alone. That’s what the right friends do, they don’t just stay nearby; they help lift you up.
The friends you really need don’t pull you away from God; they push you closer. They remind you of truth when you’re tempted to believe lies. They love you enough to tell you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear. Real friends fight for your future, not your feelings. And it’s true: Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future. The people you walk with today shape who you’re becoming tomorrow.
Three Things the Right Friends Do:
Support You in Struggles
Real friends don’t vanish when things get messy. They show up, stand by you, and help you keep going when you feel like quitting.Safeguard Your Purpose
The believers in Thessalonica weren’t just worried about Paul and Silas’ safety; they wanted to see them keep doing what God called them to do. Good friends care about where you’re headed and won’t let you drift.Strengthen Your Faith
True friends don’t just comfort you; they help lift your eyes back to God. Through their prayers, encouragement, and even tough love, they help you keep trusting Him in every season.
We all need friends like this. Let’s ask God to help us choose wisely and love deeply as we walk this journey together.
Lord, thank You for the friends who push me closer to You and remind me I’m not alone. Help me surround myself with people who make me stronger and be that kind of friend for others. Amen.
Make it Personal
Who are the friends in your life that help you become who you’re meant to be?
How can you be that kind of friend for someone else this week?
Do you have people around you who strengthen your faith, or weaken it?
