Friends Are Forever

SCRIPTURE

Philem. 1:1 ¶ Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, ¶ To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker,
Philem. 1:2 to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier and to the church that meets in your home:
Philem. 1:3 ¶ Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philem. 1:4 ¶ I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers,

OBSERVATION

Have you ever noticed that Paul the Apostle often made reference to his friends when he wrote a letter? It happens frequently and this letter is no exception. This book is actually addressed to a dear friend named Philemon.

Friends - are a gift from the Lord!
Good friends are hard to find but when you actually discover a good friend who wants to walk in close relationship, you have discovered a treasure.

Friends - are like tributaries - Not only do they carry worth but they also deposit valuable assets into a person life. Tributaries create great rivers. From all directions, those tributaries contribute to a river, feeding and making it grow. That sounds like the way people grow too - when they open up to the contribution from others.
Friends can speak into our lives and when these friends have the fruit of the Spirit, recorded in Galatians chapter 5, we become better people.

Remember: The company you keep will determine the path you take. 1 Cor. 15:33

APPLICATION

What kind of a friend are you to the people in your world? When they spend time with you, do they leave enriched? Encouraged? Edified? One person said: I enjoy all people - some when they come and others when they leave. When you carry with you the fruit of the Holy Spirit, you will be a friend who is enjoyed at all times. Today let’s surrender to the leading of the Holy Spirit and follow His directives. Galatians 5 tells us that when we do this, HE will produce the fruit that will provide the foundation for lasting relationships.

Remember: Friends are forever when they are rooted in Christ.

PRAYER

Father, help us to grow in our love for each other. Let us see how important people really are and may we become the friends that will enrich the lives of others.