Episode 00015: Your True Friends Will Be Revealed
December 19, 2025
Greeting
Welcome back to The Daily Spirit. Friday, December 19th, 2025. Five minutes of spirit-filled encouragement to start your day.
Opening Hook
Who stuck by your side this year?
When you were down. When things weren't going well. When you didn't have good news to share. Who was still there?
We're approaching the end of the year. It's such an opportune time to reflect. What went well. What didn't. And who showed up when it mattered.
Scripture & Core Message
Proverbs 18:24: "Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family."
The Bible says so much about real friendship. About loyalty. About the difference between people who are there for the good times and people who are there through all of it.
This year revealed a lot for me. And I bet it revealed a lot for you too.
Personal Reflection
I've been so blessed by so many friends this year. Including friends I didn't initially have the spirit of openness toward.
There were people I didn't expect much from. But they showed up. Their actions spoke. Their loyalty was undeniable. They proved themselves through what they did, not what they said.
And then there were other people. People I thought would be there. Who weren't.
That's painful. But it's also clarifying. Hard seasons reveal true character. Yours. And theirs.
Exhortation
Here's what I want you to hear today.
Take some time before the year ends to really evaluate your friendships. Not from a place of judgment. But from a place of discernment. Who are the people that genuinely care about your long-term well-being? Who are the people that have your back?
Because 2026 should be different.
2026 should be a year where you're more discerning. More reciprocal to the people who deserve it. You'll be able to receive more and give more to your true friends. The ones who actually care about you.
2026 should be a year where you dive deeper into friendships of faith. People who sense that they've been connected with you for a reason. That there's a divine purpose to why you're in each other's lives.
Not every relationship is God-ordained. The sooner you realize that, the better. Some connections were seasonal. Some were lessons. Some were tests. Let those go with grace.
But the ones that are meant to last? Double down on them. Cherish them. Thank God for them.
Affirmations
Let's speak some truth over your friendships. I'll say it, you repeat.
[Pause after each for repetition]
I am grateful for my true friends.
I am discerning about who I give my energy to.
I double down on friendships of faith.
I release relationships that are not God-ordained.
In 2026, I will receive more and give more to the people who matter.
I am blessed by those who stick by me like family.
Closing
That's it for today.
Take a moment this weekend to thank someone who showed up for you this year. Send that text. Make that call. Let them know they matter.
God is with you. Talk tomorrow.
Substack Post Copy
Title: Your True Friends Will Be Revealed (Friday, December 19th, 2025)
Subtitle: A word on end-of-year reflection. And who deserves your energy in 2026.
Body:
Blessed morning!
Who stuck by your side this year? When you were down, who was still there?
We're approaching the end of the year. It's time to reflect on your relationships. To be grateful for the real ones. And to be discerning about who gets your energy going forward.
"Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family."
— Proverbs 18:24 (MSG)
Hit play. And remember that God is with you today.
Love,
Gary