Descriptions of a Faithful Friend: “Your Messenger”

Faithful. This word is defined as “steadfast in affection or allegiance, loyal, constant, devoted.”

Paul describes his faithful friend Epaphroditus in Philippians 2:25. He uses five terms to describe him. A brother. A fellow worker. A fellow soldier.

And today’s description: your messenger!

Paul calls Epaphroditus in these verses “your messenger” (verse 25). The Philippian church sent him to encourage Paul with a gift. We don’t know what the gift actually was but their message must have helped Paul feel encouraged in his prison trial.

How do you strengthen a friendship? Become a messenger!

Being the bearer of encouragement helps you become a faithful friend. Give someone hope. Send someone a Bible verse. Write out a prayer. Or maybe send a text of hope. Even better, a handwritten note! Send him or her a song that will be encouraging.

Or maybe go out and buy a gift. Ask the Lord to show you what your friend needs. A book? A devotional? A key chain? Or get even more creative. Maybe you read an encouraging story that reminds your friend. Cut it out and send it to him or her! AND then if you really want to go the extra mile, deliver it to him or her personally!

Tell your friend, “I was thinking of and praying for you and this came to mind. I pray it gives you hope.”

These are things that people have done for me over the years and each time it happens, it helps me! It encourages my soul just like it did for Paul!

Being a messenger of hope will draw you closer and closer to your friend and encourage his or her heart.

Messengers who come to us personally in times of need become great and close friends. Be that kind of friend to someone today!