Relationships today are often strained by shallowness, adversity, or selfishness. Sometimes people want to be “fair-weather friends,” or to use a relationship for their own benefit. Michael Youssef examines the godly friendship of David and Jonathan in his six-part series, Godly Friendships, and points out the solid foundation of a close friendship and the building blocks to nurture a strong bond that honors God.

In this opening message of Godly Friendships, Dr. Michael Youssef confronts the cultural decay of shallow, self-serving relationships by pointing us to the only foundation for true friendship—Jesus Christ, the One who laid down His life for His friends (John 15:13). Drawing from John 15:12–17, Dr. Youssef calls believers to abide in Christ, for only in Him can we cultivate friendships marked by sacrifice, transformation, intimacy, initiative, and fruitfulness. He warns that without Christ, all relationships will be tainted by selfishness and sin. But when we walk in obedience to the Word of God, our friendships become testimonies of divine grace and Gospel power.