There is value in having a true, loyal, and devoted friend. Dr. Stanley speaks on how to be careful when developing friendships with others. Gain understanding of how the right relationships can impact your life and your growth in the things of God.
Sermon Outline
Friendship is a seemingly ordinary word that describes a truly profound experience. This week, Dr. Stanley explores what the Bible says about building close relationships that enrich our life and offers practical guidance for how to cultivate them.
Key Passage: Proverbs 18:24
Supporting Passages: Genesis 2:18; John 15:15
How many truly loyal, devoted, loving friends do you have—people you could count on no matter what? It’s easy to find casual friends. But strong friendships are built.
“Friendship takes time. It takes effort. And it takes energy.”
It is God’s plan for every person to have genuine, intimate friends:
God declared it is not good for us to be alone (Gen. 2:18).
He designed us for relationship—to have friends who help make life meaningful.
Too many friends can be a problem, but close companions are important (Prov. 18:24).
Our past hurts can limit our capacity to build these friendships, but that doesn’t have to be the case.
We build wise friendships when we …
Share a mutual concern or interest. For believers, this should always include a shared love for Jesus, which makes for the strongest foundation.
Focus on meeting the other person’s needs before our own. When we recognize Christ’s sufficiency, we’re free to give without demanding in return. Only Jesus can meet all our needs.
Are willing to risk rejection and pain. Inevitably, even two people in a healthy friendship will do or say something that causes the other pain. Learning to experience rejection or misunderstanding (and move beyond it) ensures that valuable friendships will continue.
Love sacrificially. This means giving and expecting nothing in return—and, for the sake of the other person’s happiness, laying aside our need to be right.
Are open and transparent. True friends expose their heart—sharing what they feel, think, and need. Genuine friends confront in love to build one another up, not to tear each other down.
Let the principles of Scripture govern the relationship. When the Word of God directs what we say, how we react, and the way we conduct ourselves, the result is a relationship that is loving, loyal, devoted, and lasting.
“It is possible to have an intimate, loving, satisfying, eternal relationship with the Son of God.”
What is the most important friendship of all?
A relationship with Jesus is essential, and He desires to develop a friendship with every one of His followers (John 15:15).
Christ’s sovereignty does not separate us from Him. Rather, it draws us into oneness with Him.
Our friendship with Jesus is built on His unconditional love and continual forgiveness.
After Watching
Write down five specific ways you could invest in a friend this week—an honest conversation, a sacrificial act, a simple text to check in … For each one you complete, note the date beside it and thank God for the chance to express love to another person.
Our deepest friendship is with Jesus Himself. Is there anything you’ve been reluctant to bring to Him, perhaps because it feels too small, too shameful, or too tangled? A true friend wants us in our entirety, not the curated version. Take a walk this week with no podcast, no music—just you and Jesus—and tell Him what you’ve been holding back.
