Strengthen Your Bonds: Spiritual Friendships in 2025

Come Alive and Thrive in 2025…

As we dive into 2025, I’ve been thinking a lot about the powerful need we all have for connection—true, meaningful friendships that sharpen us, heal us, and walk with us through life’s heartaches.

You’ve probably heard the verse, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17). That’s the kind of friendship I’m talking about—the kind where we strengthen and refine each other, not tear each other down.

Life has a way of throwing curveballs, doesn’t it? Just recently, a dear friend of mine lost his father. Watching him navigate that grief reminded me how much we need each other, especially when life gets tough. Sometimes our biological families can’t or won’t fill that role for us. And that’s okay because God provides us with another family—the family of faith.

Spiritual friendships can step in where family relationships have been broken. When Jesus was told His mother and brothers were outside waiting to speak with Him, He responded, “Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother” (Matthew 12:50). That means we’re all invited into this bigger, spiritual family where love and support abound.

And here’s the thing: those friendships don’t just offer companionship—they bring healing. James 5:16 tells us, “Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” There’s something incredibly freeing about sharing our struggles with someone who listens with kind eyes and a compassionate heart. Healing flows through forgiveness—both receiving it and offering it.

As followers of Jesus, we’re called to be good friends. That means being the person who shows up, listens without judgment, and encourages others with grace. We’re not meant to do this life alone. Even Jesus, the ultimate friend, surrounded Himself with close companions.

And let’s not forget—our best friend is Jesus Himself. He said, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). He’s the friend who never leaves, never gives up, and always forgives.

So, my challenge to you for 2025 is simple: Find a friend. Be a friend. Build community. If you’re feeling isolated or like your family connections are strained, lean into the friendships God puts in your path. Let spiritual friendships fill those gaps.

And if you’re already surrounded by good relationships, take a moment to be grateful for them. Then look around and ask, “Who can I encourage today?” Because when we live like this, we reflect the love of Jesus in the most tangible way.

Let’s make this the year we walk together, forgive one another, and heal through the power of friendship.