Truths about Friendship – From the life of Paul [in 2 Timothy 4]: 1. Paul believed in the critical importance of having close friends – verses 9, 21a. 2. Paul knew from personal experience the pain and anguish of loneliness – verses 10b, 11a, 16a. 3. Paul knew the importance of having the right kind of friends: be discerning and selective – verses 14-15. 4. Paul knew from personal experience the pain of betrayal and abandonment – verses 10a, 16. 5. Paul had learned the importance of forgiving those who had failed him. In fact, he believed in giving old friends who had blown it another chance – verses 11b, 16b. 6. As you grow old in life, in addition to friends, you need books! – verse 13. 7. In the final analysis, when everything is said and done, Jesus will always be your best friend; the only friend you can always count on – verses 17-18.