Have you ever had a lasting friendship–one that has stood the test of time, and endured many difficulties? If you have, you’ll understand the power of friends. Friends can often be the difference between life and death. Yet, what’s even more precious are spiritual friends. These friends understand the depths that define you and the sorrows that hurt you the most.
Faithful companions are exactly what the term suggests, faithful. They’ll stick by your side when even your brothers and sisters have left you alone. It’s no wonder Christ said in John 15 “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”
The good news is that God is our true spiritual friend. His steadfast love remains with us in the vicinity of our pain. He’ll also abide by our side when the pestilence of life unearths us. In this blog we’ll unwrap the power of spiritual friends, and explore how we can use them to empower our faith in times of need. Join me.
Who Are Spiritual Friends
I have had some of the best friends through the years. These people have added much value to my life—often leaving lasting impressions. Nonetheless, the most precious and meaningful friends I have had are spiritual ones.
Spiritual friends are God-sent and serve as faithful ministers in our lives. They are honest individuals who uphold righteousness and godliness. They never compromise godly standards to please our expectations but instead refer to biblical teachings in their godly counsels.
Back in my younger years, I moved to Canada. I had no clue that this phase of my life would be so difficult. Yet, God had purposed in His heart to provide for me a friend who would stand by me through the spiritual storms I faced in this country. This friend, Jermaine James, bears the name of my real brother, Jermaine.
Through the hills and valleys, the triumphs and defeats, he has been steadfast and true. Not only as a regular friend but as a spiritual companion who encourages my faith with godly counsel. When I speak about spiritual friends, this is what I mean—a friend who leads you closer to God and encourages you on your spiritual journey.
The Importance of Spiritual Friendships in Our Lives
Godly friendships are very important in our Christian journeys. Not only do they offer spiritual support, but they also help us remain on the narrow path that leads to life. Building faith through spiritual friends is paramount for people who walk with God because these friends often understand us the most.
Consider Jesus, our true friend. Among spiritual friends, Jesus is the definition and standard of friendship. The Bible says:
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” (Hebrews 4:15, NIV)
This verse explains what I mean when I say a spiritual friend understands us the most. Godly companions often understand us because they have walked a relatable path. They empathize with us because they, too, have faced similar sorrows.
Spiritual friends judge less and love more—not because they are perfect, but because they understand the weakness of the human soul. These friends are undoubtedly invaluable in our lives.
They are there to encourage us, walk with us, and help us up when we fall down. Beyond that, they stand beside us in spiritual battles, when the adversary seeks to defeat us. As a result, building godly friendships is perhaps one of the most important aspects of our Christian journeys.
How to Find Godly Friends
We have learned about the importance of Godly support in our Christian walk. But how do we find these networks of people, especially when we need them the most? In the natural world, we often find friends through other friends.
As we walk with God, He’ll lead us to the people we need to empower our journeys. However, this does not remove our responsibility to build God-centered relationships. It is our responsibility to put ourselves in positions where we can connect with godly people.
Whether it is at church or within Christian circles, we must position ourselves in ways that allow God to create lasting spiritual connections. Still, we never know when or where we might meet a true spiritual friend. They could be on the bus to work, at your workplace, or in the most unexpected places. However, as we trust God, He will provide us with a friend before we even realize we need one.
Spiritual Friends in the Bible
There are numerous biblical examples of spiritual friends. They serve as examples for us to refer to in our own interactions with faithful companions. Here are some of the key examples found throughout scripture:
1. David and Jonathan (1 Samuel 18-20)
- Friendship Qualities: Loyalty, sacrifice, and spiritual support.
- Summary: Jonathan, King Saul’s son, formed a deep bond with David. Despite Saul’s jealousy and desire to kill David, Jonathan protected him, even risking his own future as heir to the throne. Their friendship was grounded in a shared faith in God.
- Key Verse: “Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.” (1 Samuel 18:3, NIV)
2. Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 1-4)
- Friendship Qualities: Faithfulness, devotion, and shared trust in God.
- Summary: After losing her husband, Ruth remained steadfastly loyal to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Her famous declaration, “Your people will be my people and your God my God,” reflects a friendship rooted in faith and commitment.
- Key Verse: “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay.” (Ruth 1:16, NIV)
3. Paul and Timothy (Acts 16, Philippians 2:19-22)
- Friendship Qualities: Mentorship, spiritual guidance, and partnership in ministry.
- Summary: Paul mentored Timothy in the faith, calling him his “true son in the faith.” Their relationship exemplified how spiritual friends can encourage and strengthen each other in God’s work.
- Key Verse: “I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare.” (Philippians 2:20, NIV)
4. Elijah and Elisha (2 Kings 2)
- Friendship Qualities: Spiritual mentorship, loyalty, and a shared mission.
- Summary: Elisha followed Elijah closely, learning from him and eventually inheriting his prophetic mantle. Elisha’s commitment to Elijah demonstrates how spiritual friends can pass on wisdom and encouragement.
- Key Verse: “I will not leave you.” (2 Kings 2:6, NIV)
5. Jesus and His Disciples (John 15:12-17)
- Friendship Qualities: Unconditional love, service, and sacrificial commitment.
- Summary: Jesus not only taught His disciples but also called them friends. He showed the ultimate example of friendship by laying down His life for them.
- Key Verse: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13, NIV)
We all Need A Spiritual Friends
Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
The truth is, no man is an island—we all need a friend. Spiritual bonds are like fires that need firewood to keep burning. When there is only one firestick, the flame won’t last, but two firesticks will keep the embers glowing for a long time. This truth is echoed in Ecclesiastes 4:12, which speaks of the power of godly bonds to defeat our enemies and keep us whole.
As you go, nurture your friendships in God. Remember, they are a gift from Him—perfectly established in our lives to help guide us home. May you be guided by the light of good friends.
Concluding Thoughts
We have learned about the power of spiritual friendships. They are godly bonds that offer us support and encouragement when we need them most. These friendships help us endure the turbulence that often sways us and the pestilence that seeks to knock us off our feet.
We should not only recognize these special relationships but also play our part in keeping them lasting and life-giving. Jesus Christ has taught us the true meaning of friendship and remains our closest and most faithful companion. As we build our faith through spiritual friends, we must learn from Him.
Have you learned anything from this blog about friendship? Please share your thoughts in the comment section. God bless you!
