A Friend: Stands Up for You

01 / Sun – Read John 8:7

Overview: On multiple occasions, Jesus stands up for someone who is criticized, pushed aside, or told to shut up. And we’re called to do the same. Because that’s what friends do.

02 / Mon – Correction but no condemnation  |  Read John 8:2-11

She was guilty as charged, but her situation was also the bait these religious leaders used to trap Jesus. He saw through their self-righteous indignation and thwarted their intentions. This woman had sinned, but Jesus did not condemn her. Instead, he saved her life and gave her a chance to start over. Jesus does that for you, too. He sees the mess you have gotten yourself into. He doesn’t condemn you but will stand up for you. How will you pass that grace on to others?

03 / Tue – Loyal subjects  |  Read Daniel 3:8-29

These three Jews were men of impeccable integrity and had been appointed as administrators over the province of Babylon. They faithfully served the king but refused to worship his golden statue, even though everyone around them did. In this statement of faith (v16-18), they stood up for the Lord God Almighty and, in v24-25, He stood up for them. Will you have that kind of boldness when you are commanded to do something wrong or else suffer consequences from your superiors? God doesn’t promise to keep you out of the fire, but He does promise to walk through it with you.

04 / Wed – An example  |  Read Matthew 26:74-75 / Acts 4:13-20

These two situations in one man’s life illustrate how failure does not have to be fatal. What had happened to Simon Peter, between these two situations, that caused such a drastic reversal? Jesus wants everyone to know the truth about him. So what have you seen and heard? What are you absolutely convinced of? These are the things you can confidently speak about to others. Take a few minutes to list what you know to be true from your own experience. It will help you be ready for any opportunities ahead.

05 / Thu – True religion  |  Read Prov 31:8-9 / James 1:27

Those Jesus stood up for when he lived on earth included the poor, the sick, marginalized women, children brushed aside as unimportant, and widows who had no champion. If pure religion is caring for orphans and widows, what would that look like in your world today? Who are the widows you could stand up for? Where might you help to fill the place of a missing parent? Men, you have a unique opportunity to accurately reflect God as a good Father to the children in your life. Will you take up the challenge? Then watch for Holy Spirit-directed opportunities.

06 / Fri – Alone in defending yourself?  |  Read 2 Tim 4:16-18 / Luke 21:12-15 / Luke 12:11-12

Paul built a ministry team of godly men and women. Yet, when he stood on trial, no one else was with him. What encouragement do you find in his words for the times you have to stand alone? Paul was standing up for Jesus, so Jesus stood up with him. It was the fulfillment of Jesus’ earlier promise applied to Paul, and it applies to you as well. When you are unjustly accused and have to defend yourself, you can have peace, knowing the Holy Spirit will give you the words to say.

07 / Sat – Godly advice when under attack  |  Read James 1:19-20 / Psalm 139:23-24

If someone unexpectedly attacks you, don’t immediately respond. Listen to what they have to say until they have no more words left. Then pause, pray this prayer the Psalmist prayed, and wait to hear what the Lord will say. Only then will you be ready to defend yourself if the accusations are false. The ultimate goal is not to prove your innocence but to keep communication lines open and be humble enough to admit what needs to change. Will you resolve to make this your first response?