DAY 1: 2 TIMOTHY 1:15-18
A FRIEND IN NEED…
Read 2 Timothy 1:15-18.
Craig shared on Sunday that the most important thing we have in life are our relationships. As Paul entered the last phase of his life, he mentions several people who had a positive and a negative impact on his life. There were those who brought disappointment and discouragement. Paul mentions two: Phygelus and Hermogenes. At a time when Paul was down and out – imprisoned, weak, and near the end of his years, these men only added to his possible discouragement. Friendship has responsibilities. These men did not rise to the challenges that help true friends through difficult times.
On the side of encouragement was Onesiphorus. He brought refreshment to Paul, as a cold drink on a hot day, he revived Paul. A true friend, Onesiphorus met the challenges that come with maintaining a strong relationship, he sought on foot the whereabouts of Paul in a large city (Rome) never ceasing until finding him. He stood by Paul despite being associated with a criminal in prison. As Craig shared, when something is valuable to us, we make a great effort to search it out when it is missing. True friendships are maintained with equally hard work.
In addition to the enjoyment of good friends, there is also the reward of blessing others around us. When we are a good friend to someone, those around us are also blessed. As Paul prayed, “The Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus…” (v. 16). Paul’s favor was not limited to Onesiphorus only, but his entire household. As it has been said, “A friend of yours is a friend of mine.” When we are a friend to someone, we can be a friend to a friend.
Perhaps there is no greater example of a friend than Jesus. He went to great lengths to be near to us. He emptied Himself to seek and save us. He didn’t give up – it cost Him everything. He is the example of the ultimate friend.
So today, I ask you: How good a friend are you?
