TREASURES FROM GOD'S WORD, Week of August 18-24, 2025, How having true friends benefits us, Prepared Speech.

TREASURES FROM GOD'S WORD, August 18-24, 2025, How True Friends Benefit Us, Prepared Speech.

How having true friends benefits us (10 mins.)

In this world, many people have hundreds of friends on social media, but few can say they have true friends. A true friend isn't just someone we spend time with, but someone who loves us, cares about our well-being, and helps us draw closer to Jehovah.

Today we will look at three ways true friends benefit us:

1. They dare to give us the advice we need.

2. Sometimes they are in a better position to help us than our own family.

3. They help us become better people.

As we move forward, let's consider: Am I that kind of friend to others? And am I developing friendships that will help me draw closer to Jehovah?

True friends dare to give us the advice we need

A true friend cares enough about us to tell us the truth, even if they know it won't be easy to hear.

LET'S READ PROVERBS 27:5, 6

“Open correction is better than hidden love. 6The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are many.”

This means that sometimes what a friend says may hurt, but that hurt is for our good. Let's think of a simple example: we're at the Kingdom Hall talking with several brothers and sisters, and a friend pulls us aside to discreetly tell us that we have some food stuck in our teeth. Yes, we're a little embarrassed, but we're grateful for it. Imagine if we had talked to more people without knowing it.

Likewise, if a friend notices that we are acting or speaking in a way that could distance us from Jehovah, he or she will lovingly and discreetly tell us. It may not be pleasant at first, but if we are humble, we will appreciate such advice. A friend who remains silent so as not to upset us is not really helping us; a friend who speaks with love is.

Good friends may be in a better position to help us than our family members

We all value family, and the Bible teaches us to honor it, but it also recognizes that sometimes a friend can be more available or helpful than a family member.

LET'S READ PROVERBS 27:10

“Do not abandon your friend or your father's friend, and do not go to your brother's house on the day of your disaster; a friend near is better than a brother far away.”

Here the inspired writer encourages us to maintain friendship and trust, even with those who have been close friends of our family. In times of difficulty, they can be closer physically and emotionally than a relative who lives far away or who may not be able to help us.

Let's consider an example: perhaps we have a mechanical problem with our car the day before attending a convention. Perhaps a relative lives far away and can't help us, but a friend in the congregation who cares and knows us is willing to drop what they're doing to lend a hand.

This proverb reminds us to value and cherish these faithful friendships, because Jehovah can use them to support us in the most difficult times.

True friends help us become better people

A true friend isn't just there in times of need; they're also someone who motivates us to grow spiritually and remain steadfast in our faith.

LET'S READ PROVERBS 27:17

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens his friend.”

This means that true friends influence each other for the better. The Bible gives us the example of Jehoash, a young king who made good decisions while listening to the advice of his older friend, Jehoiada. But when he stopped doing so, his spiritual life worsened.

This leads us to ask: Do my friends help me to have more faith in Jehovah? Do they encourage me to follow his rules and principles? Do they enjoy talking about Jehovah and what they learn from the Bible? Do they dare to correct me when I make mistakes?

If we answer yes, we are talking about friends who are a true gift from Jehovah. But if we have friends who don't love Jehovah or who distance us from his standards, we must ask ourselves if those are the influences we want to have.

Illustration

The image in our activity guide shows a young brother accompanying an older brother to speak with his doctor, as his advanced age makes it difficult for him to understand certain medical terms. Therefore, the younger brother takes it upon himself to lovingly explain what his doctor wants to tell him. In this way, he demonstrates that, as Proverbs 27:10 says, a true friend can be in a better position to help us than a relative.

Conclusion

True friends are a gift Jehovah gives us to strengthen us. They benefit us because:

1. They tell us the truth we need to hear.

2. They may be more available to help us than a family member.

3. They motivate us to be better if they love Jehovah.

So let's nurture those friendships, be grateful for their advice, and, above all, let's be the kind of friend others need. Let's remember that true friendship isn't born by chance: it's cultivated with time, love, and loyalty.