What makes a great friend—and what makes a great church?

In life, the people around you will either lift you higher or hold you back. Paul knew this well. In his final letter, he listed his friends, his enemies, and everything he learned in between. He found gratitude even for the ones who left him—because they revealed the ones who would never leave.

In this message, discover five qualities that define every great friendship and every strong church:
1. They lift you up – they make you better just by being around them.
2. They let you out – they see the potential in you and help you step into it.
3. They let you in – they create a space where you belong.
4. They level you out – they keep you grounded when life gets out of balance.
5. They look you up – they remind you that your story isn’t over yet.

Because real friends don’t just show up when it’s easy—they show up when you’re ready to give up. And the best kind of friend? The one who points you back to purpose.

Scriptures Referenced:
2 Timothy 4:9–22
Acts 9:17–18
Acts 9:30–31
Acts 11:26

True friends lift you, lead you, and love you enough to remind you—you’re not done yet.