August 2025 | Timely Mercy and Endless Compassion | Youth Sunday
Ministering: Samuel Awobajo.
Text: Proverb 27:17.
“17As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” NKJV
God never designed us to live alone, that’s why everyone first comes from a Family. God designed us to have connections in every phase of our lives. This connection comes from Family, Church, School, Workplace, etc.
“Squad Goals” is the idea that captures a community with a common interest. It means to value each other and act in the best interest of one another. Jesus Christ as our friend – John 15:15. He is our Master, yet He calls us His friend. We cannot call ourselves friends if there is no channel of transparent communication. We live in a world full of fake friends and false loyalty.
The Goals of a Squad
- Surrounding yourself with people who sharpen your faith, hold you accountable and walk with you towards His purpose
- Matching hearts and walking in unity with Christ at the center
- Designed not to be alone. Gen. 2:18
- Whether it’s in friends, ministry teams, or the body of Christ, We are stronger, wiser and more resilient when we walk together
- A godly squad is God’s plan for our growth, protection and purpose.
What does it mean to sharpen each other? Iron sharpens iron means we are interdependent on one another. No one is interdependent. The Iron must not be blunt if it must sharpen another. Iron sharpen iron through encouragement, prayer and other things that add value to one another. We must strive to build ourselves and not denigrate others.
What Biblical and Physical Qualities should We be looking for in real friendship as you build your godly squad? Faithfulness is very key, a true friend should love at all times. A true friend will always remind you of God’s perspective to any issue. A true friend will also hold you accountable to biblical values. Certain qualities are not compatible – such as water and fire; Scripture says evil company corrupts good manners.
When You discover that someone in your inner circle isn’t sharpening you but he or she is only feeding off of you – How can we address such? First try to have a heart-to-heart conversation with such a friend and politely state your values and how best you believe there will be a mutual benefit. Also never forget to pray for such friends.
How can We ensure that We are providing value to our Friends? How intentional should we be? Sincerity is very key in any good relationship. We should consider open feedback from others, learn from others and seek to develop yourself on a continual basis. Be courteous and polite in giving feedback.
How can We speak Truth in love and correction, without being judgmental and damaging the relationship? Be wise in your approach, find the appropriate time and opportunity to communicate that truth to the friend. You can also consider having like a bible study with the friend so you can consider the matter in the light of Scripture. If you’ve exhausted all possible means and the friend is still not yielding, then it might be time to distant yourself an move away from that friendship.
Case Study – David and Jonathan. 1 Samuel 18
How Do I find a Godly Squad?
- Prayer to God for guidance – Luke 6:12
- Observe the fruit emanating from their lives.
- Go to where God’s people are
- Serve in ministries – if you work for God, God will work for you.
Self-Reflection – Show me your friend and I’ll show you your future. Who are your friends and are they inspiring you to draw closer to Christ or to draw away from Him?
God Bless You!
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