Relationships That Flourish: A 30-Day Devotional on Finding Security in Christ and Growing Healthy Connectionsنموونە

In this passage, Jesus has drawn a diverse crowd eager to hear Him teach. He had already performed miracles, and people were desperate to get close. Among them was a paralyzed man whose friends had such strong faith that they refused to let obstacles stand in their way. In order to reach Jesus through the crowd, they had to get creative. They climbed onto the roof, opened it, and lowered their friend down right in front of Him.

Jesus did something unexpected. Before healing the man’s body, He addressed his heart: “Your sins are forgiven.” This shocked the religious leaders, because only God can forgive sins. By declaring forgiveness, Jesus revealed His true identity and His ultimate mission. Physical healing mattered—but the deeper miracle was spiritual restoration. Our greatest need, then and now, is forgiveness, and only Jesus has the authority to give it.

The faith of this man’s friends is remarkable. They believed if they could just get him near Jesus, his life would be changed. They were right. Jesus gave him both physical healing and spiritual renewal. He not only gained the ability to walk, he found hope for eternity. What would it look like for us to have friends like that—people who bring us to Jesus in our struggles? What would it look like to be that kind of friend for others?

We live in a world where trust is often broken. Many of us know the pain of disappointment, betrayal, or abandonment. It can be tempting to guard ourselves and expect little from others. We must remember, trustworthy friends are those who don’t just offer quick fixes or shallow encouragement—they lead us to Christ, the Friend who will never fail us.

Reflect: Do I trust those closest to me? If not, why? How can I be a friend who brings others to Jesus? How can I seek those kinds of relationships?

Pray: Lord, thank You for being the faithful Friend I can always trust. Deepen my relationships with those who point me back to You, and help me be that kind of friend to others.