CONVERSATION STARTER:
“Not everyone around you is your friend.”
Philia love is the kind of love we experience in friendships. It is not based on convenience or entertainment, but on connection and character. True friendship grows where there is:
Trust
Loyalty
Shared values
📖 “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” — Proverbs 27:17
Key Truth
Friends are not those who only make you laugh,
but those who help you grow.
The Bible reminds us that friendship is intentional. To have good friends, we must also be friendly.
“A man who has friends must himself be friendly.” — Proverbs 18:24
However, not everyone finds it easy to open up. Some people struggle to greet first or make friends quickly—not because they are unfriendly, but because of past hurts, rejection, or betrayal. This is something we see in both timid teenagers and adults.
In moments like this, friendship requires borrowing from agape love—the love of Christ. Showing patience, kindness, and understanding can help someone slowly move past painful memories and learn to trust again. Sometimes, being a friend means creating a safe space, not demanding instant connection.
Philia love is warm, intentional, and supportive. It doesn’t rush people, and it doesn’t pressure them—it grows over time.
Let’s Open the Conversation
Do your friendships push you closer to God or pull you away?
What qualities do you value most in a true friend?
How can we show Christ-like love to people who struggle to open up?
Your thoughts may help someone see friendship in a healthier way.
Let’s encourage one another as we grow together in Christ 🤍