Weekly Magazine | Priceless Friendships

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Dear Friends,

Friendship is a powerful gift from God, but what does it truly mean to be a friend in a way that honors Him? In this issue, we explore the biblical foundation of friendship, offering practical and inspiring examples of how we can build and nurture relationships that reflect Christ’s love. From Paul’s letter to Philemon, to the deep connection between Mary and Elizabeth, we hope these stories and insights will encourage you to embrace the beauty of true, sacrificial friendship. Join us as we dive into what it means to be a friend who loves deeply, prays boldly, and walks alongside others in faith.

Encouraging you in God’s truth,

Priceless Friendship
Dive into Paul’s letter to Philemon and the six ways he teaches us to be true friends in Christ.
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Sisters by Heart
Reflect on the flourishing friendship between two women who became sisters in spirit, inspired by the bond between Mary and Elizabeth.
Read More

Building Spiritual Friendships
Learn how to build and nourish spiritual friendships that strengthen our relationship with God.
Read More

Biblical Truths for Building Lasting Friendships
Discover five powerful Bible verses that reveal God's design for true friendship and encourage us to love, support, and uplift one another.
Read More

Priceless Friendship

By: Elizabeth Wilder

Tucked between Titus and Hebrews, Philemon is a small but mighty letter from Paul to a friend. In it, Paul challenges his friend Philemon to see a runaway slave, Onesimus, not as a piece of property but as a fellow human being—but even more, as a brother in Christ and an equal heir in the kingdom of God. In addition to dealing with the important topics of slavery, equality, and freedom, Paul also packs a case study about friendship into these 25 short verses.

Paul’s letter to Philemon is a friend-to-friend note, much like the multipart texts and emails I send to friends and family every day. Since studying Philemon, I’ve made changes in how I communicate with friends, letting them know how much I appreciate them and that I’m praying for them. Here are six ways Paul demonstrates how to be a great friend:

1.  Friends let others know they are valued.

“To Philemon, our dear friend and fellow worker …” (vs. 1). “Your love has given me great joy and encouragement” (vs.7).

This letter is short but personal. Paul starts by showing appreciation—a far cry from the brisk, impersonal beginning to many of my own short emails or texts: FYI. Hey. You done yet? 

I used to think that keeping communications short respected my reader’s time—and it may — but getting right to the point doesn’t make my friends feel valued. I’m now more intentional in how I communicate, sending physical cards more often and starting even the most businesslike phone calls with thanks for the person’s time. What I’ve found is that absolutely everything—even a chat with the insurance adjuster—goes better.

2.  Friends thank God for their friendships.

“I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers” (vs. 4).

In my powder room is a blue and white ceramic soap dish. Around the edge of the dish are the words “Friends are a Gift from God” hand-painted by a former neighbor. I love that soap dish because it reminds me of a special friendship and that God cares for me. Whether for a season or a lifetime, God has given me the friends I need at exactly the right time in exactly the right place. It’s only fitting that I thank Him. 

3.  Friends are specific with their praise.

“I hear about your love for all … people” (vs. 5), and “you … have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people” (vs. 7).

Paul shows us how to let people know their work is valuable. He doesn’t just say Philemon has done a good job; he’s specific in praising the hospitality Philemon provided. Having his pastor write that Philemon “refreshed the hearts” of his fellow believers surely encouraged him to persevere in his efforts for Christ. 

Which words mean more to you: “Thanks for the help” or “Thanks for updating the membership list”? I think the second phrase is stronger. I always hope my small tasks count in the big picture of kingdom-building, but I’m encouraged when someone in leadership notices and thanks me individually. 

I try to mimic Paul’s technique when I work with volunteers and friends. I sometimes envision encouragement as imaginary coins stored up in an emotional piggy bank. If I make deposits into friends’ “encouragement banks,” hopefully they will be able to draw upon those savings whenever they’re feeling low. 

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