Originally published on DailyDevos.org  (for teens) Oct. 20, 2016

Philippians 1:3-6 (NIV)
     I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of
you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel
from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who
began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day
of Christ Jesus.

Reflect:
     Who are your friends? Do they always want things from you? Do they get
you into trouble? Or do they help you and encourage you? Do your
friends make you a better version of you? Or do they tear you down and
bring out the worst in you?
      In the book of Philippians, Paul is really thankful to God for his
friends; and he lets them know it! Even though he’s under house
arrest (basically, he’s in jail), he writes this letter to his
friends with joy. Paul’s friends prayed for him, encouraged him and
even sent someone from their community to be with him during tough
times. Paul’s friends were his partners (from a distance) as he
traveled around and shared God’s truth. They loved Paul and Paul
loved them.
      With any good friendship, the give and take of help and words of
encouragement are mutual. So being a good friend back to the
Philippians, Paul shares encouraging news: The God that they serve
together has started something powerful in them. And over time, God
will continue to work out good in them until the end of their lives
when they reunite with Jesus.
      This message is an encouragement, not only to the Philippians, but
for for us who believe in the same God! We are works in progress,
being molded by the one who created us and knows us best. And when we
allow God’s truths to sink in, we have great hope that our best
friend, Jesus, has our back.

Respond:
     Find good friends like the ones mentioned above and surround yourself
with them. Are you being a good friend? Brainstorm ways you can be a
good friend by helping, encouraging and pointing people to Jesus’
truths. Then do it.