Service Script: “The Gift of Friendship”

By Pastor Janet S. Smith

Opening Greeting

“Good evening, church family! It is such a joy to gather with you tonight at New Horizon Church. Whether you are here in person or joining us online, know this: you are loved, you are welcomed, and you belong.

Tonight, we are reflecting on a gift from God that is both simple and profound—the gift of friendship.”

Opening Prayer

“Heavenly Father,
We thank You for bringing us together as friends, brothers, and sisters in Christ. Thank You for creating us not to walk this life alone, but to walk side by side, lifting each other up, and reflecting Your love in our relationships.

Bless our time together tonight, and open our hearts to Your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Scripture Reading

Proverbs 17:17 – “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
John 15:13 – “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

Sermon Message: The Power of True Friendship

“Church, friendship is not just a social connection—it is a sacred calling.

God designed us to live in relationship. In Genesis, when He created Adam, He said, ‘It is not good for man to be alone.’ From the very beginning, God wove companionship into the fabric of human life.

A true friend is more than someone who laughs with you in the sunshine. A true friend is one who stands with you in the storm. Proverbs tells us, ‘A friend loves at all times.’ That means through joy, through grief, through failure, and through triumph.

Look at Jesus—He called His disciples not just servants, but friends. Imagine that! The Son of God, inviting ordinary people into extraordinary friendship. And then He modeled the ultimate act of love: laying down His life. That is the highest example of friendship we will ever see.

Tonight, I want to remind you of three truths about friendship:

1. Friendship is a gift from God. Cherish it.
   
   

2. Friendship is a responsibility. Be loyal, encouraging, and forgiving.
   
   

3. Friendship reflects Christ’s love. When we walk in love with one another, the world sees a glimpse of Jesus.
   
   

Friends, let us not take each other for granted. If someone comes to your heart tonight—a childhood friend, a brother or sister in Christ, someone you’ve lost touch with—reach out. Call them. Pray for them. Be the kind of friend who loves at all times.”

Reflection and Call to Action

“Tonight, I invite you to reflect: Who are the friends in your life God has placed there for a reason? And more importantly, how can you be a Christ-like friend to someone this week?

Maybe it’s sending a word of encouragement. Maybe it’s forgiving someone. Maybe it’s simply being present. Remember—your presence may be the very answer to someone’s prayer.”

Closing Prayer

“Lord, thank You for the friends You have given us. Help us to be faithful, compassionate, and Christ-centered in our friendships. Where there is distance, bring healing. Where there is hurt, bring forgiveness. And where there is loneliness, bring new connections filled with Your love.

We ask this in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.”

Benediction

“May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
And may you go forth not alone, but surrounded by the friends and family God has given you.
Go in peace, and go in friendship. Amen.”