Deep Friendships Sustain Us
ICS Daily Devotions

Luke 5:17-18, 24-25 (NKJV) Now it happened on a certain day, as He was teaching, that there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present to heal them. Then behold, men brought on a bed a man who was paralyzed, whom they sought to bring in and lay before Him…But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the man who was paralyzed, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” Immediately he rose up before them, took up what he had been lying on, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.

We all need friends in life to journey with us in good and bad times. A friend in need is a friend indeed. This is especially true when we live in a foreign land away from our families. It means so much for us to have a support group from the family of believers, especially among cell group members whom we trust and love.

John 13:35 (NJKV) “by this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another”

What will set us apart from the world is our genuine love for one another. Jesus said the world would know that we are His disciples if we love one another, which means showing love through our words backed up by corresponding actions. It can be inconvenient to love other people because we must go the extra mile in terms of time and energy. As a result, many relationships among church members are kept at superficial levels, because some are uncomfortable sharing their struggles and pain with others as they haven’t come to a stage of being vulnerable, while others would like to mind their own business. However, the struggles we go through can burden us so much that they become unbearable. Therefore, besides casting our cares to the Lord and drawing strength from Him, we need people to journey with us.

The paralysed man showed faith in God by agreeing to be carried down the roof to be ministered to by Jesus, while the four friends showed exceptional character and faith in God, and love for their friend through their willingness to go through the trouble of carrying him to Jesus. The five of them were united in faith and friendship. When Jesus saw that, he showed His approval by saving the paralysed man.

Deep friendship is built on love and backed up by words and actions. Let’s build friendships in Christ, be willing to go the extra mile, and be a blessing to friends, so that we can sustain one another on the journey of challenges and tests.

Sermon Series: Up! Cell Group Campaign