FAITHFUL FRIENDS. 2nd Timothy 4:21 Believers in Rome who remained faithful to Paul are named specifically, indicating they were well known personally by Timothy and the apostle Paul. Friendships with believers are very special privileges that we should treasure and continually nurture. Our faith grows stronger when we share our lives in Christ, just like “iron sharpens iron.” Ongoing conversations, shared interests, constructive criticism, Christ-like care, and concern for each other's well-being are essential.
Sharing goals, experiences, and commitments is significant in our lives when we fellowship with people of faith with whom we associate. We are comforted, challenged, and blessed by our connection with faithful friends in the body of Christ. In these final stages of our lives, we need to experience God’s abiding presence to comfort us and those with whom we have shared the most meaningful parts of our lives.