Bible Verses About Friendship

In this post, we will be sharing with you some bible verses about friendship, Christian friendship quotes and what does the word of God says about friendship. What steps do we need to take in choosing the right friends or people we relate with? How do we go about treating others?

This and many more questions we hope these bible verses about friendship will assist us in answering them. Let your mind be opened as you read these verses and I pray that these words ministers to your spirit.

See also: Bible Verses About Loyalty KJV

Bible Verses About Friendship KJV

• Luke 12:4 - "And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do."
• 3 John 1:14 - "But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name."
• Luke 15:29 - "And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:"
• James 4:4 - "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God."
• 1 Samuel 20:1 - "And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan, What have I done? what is mine iniquity? and what is my sin before thy father, that he seeketh my life?"
• Psalms 41:9 - "Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me."
• Job 42:10 - "And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before."
• Proverbs 18:24 - "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother."
• Proverbs 14:20 - "The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends."
• Luke 15:6 - "And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost."
• Proverbs 22:24 - "Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:"
• Proverbs 27:6 - "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful."
• Proverbs 27:10 - "Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off."
• Proverbs 17:9 - "He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends."
• Proverbs 27:14 - "He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him."
• Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 - "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken."
• Luke 11:5-6 - "And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?"

What Does It Mean To Be A Friend Of Jesus?

To be a friend of Jesus means to have a close, personal relationship with Him, built on faith, love, and obedience to His teachings. Here are some aspects of what it means to be a friend of Jesus:

1. Faith in Jesus: Believing in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior is the first step in becoming His friend. John 3:16 states, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
2. Loving Jesus: To be a friend of Jesus, you must love Him wholeheartedly. Jesus said in Matthew 22:37, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." This love should be reflected in your thoughts, actions, and priorities.
3. Obedience to His teachings: Jesus said in John 15:14, "You are my friends if you do what I command." Being a friend of Jesus means striving to live according to His teachings, such as loving others, forgiving, and being humble.
4. Abiding in His love: Jesus wants His followers to remain in His love and stay connected to Him. In John 15:9, He says, "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love." This involves daily prayer, Bible study, and cultivating a deeper relationship with Jesus.
5. Sharing the Gospel: A friend of Jesus is called to share His message of salvation with others. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus said, "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."
6. Bearing spiritual fruit: Being a friend of Jesus involves bearing fruit in your life, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These qualities reflect your relationship with Jesus and your growth as His disciple.
7. Persevering in faith: Being a friend of Jesus means persevering in your faith, even during difficult times. In John 16:33, Jesus says, "In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." Trust in Jesus and rely on His strength to face life's challenges.

How Christians Should Pick Their Friends

Christians should be discerning when choosing their friends, as friendships can significantly influence one's spiritual growth and life choices. Here are some guidelines for Christians when selecting friends:

1. Seek godly influence: Christians should surround themselves with friends who share their faith and have a positive, godly influence. Proverbs 13:20 says, "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm." Choose friends who encourage you in your walk with God and challenge you to grow spiritually.
2. Look for shared values: Seek friends who share your core values and beliefs. 2 Corinthians 6:14 advises, "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?" While it's important to love and be kind to everyone, it's wise to form close friendships with those who share your faith and values.
3. Observe their character: Pay attention to a person's character and behavior before developing a close friendship. Proverbs 22:24-25 says, "Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared." Choose friends with integrity, kindness, and self-control.
4. Prioritize mutual support: A healthy friendship involves give and take, where both friends support and uplift one another. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 states, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up." Seek friends who are supportive, caring, and willing to help you in times of need.
5. Encourage spiritual growth: Look for friends who encourage your spiritual growth and are committed to growing in their faith as well. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another." Choose friends who inspire you to live a Christ-centered life.
6. Pray for discernment: Ask God for guidance and wisdom in choosing your friends. James 1:5 states, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." Trust in God's guidance as you navigate your friendships.
7. Be open to diversity: While shared values and beliefs are important, it's also valuable to have friends from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences. This can enrich your life and help you grow in understanding and compassion.

What is a good Bible verse for friendship?

A good Bible verse for friendship is found in Proverbs 17:17 - "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." This verse emphasizes the importance of loyalty, love, and support in a true friendship.

How Christians Should Treat Their Friends

• Love unconditionally: The Bible emphasizes the importance of love in all relationships. In John 13:34, Jesus says, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." This means showing love, care, and understanding to friends, regardless of their actions or circumstances.
• Be supportive: A true friend supports and encourages their friends in times of need. Proverbs 17:17 states, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." Christians should be there for their friends during difficult times, providing emotional and practical support.
• Practice forgiveness: Forgiveness is an essential aspect of Christianity, and friends should be willing to forgive each other. Ephesians 4:32 says, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Let go of grudges and work to restore broken friendships.
• Be honest: Honesty and trust are the foundations of strong friendships. Proverbs 27:6 states, "Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses." Be truthful and speak with love, even when it's difficult.
• Encourage spiritual growth: As Christians, friends should help one another grow in their faith. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." Share your faith, pray together, and study the Bible to grow closer to God and each other.
• Show humility: Philippians 2:3 advises, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves." Be humble in your friendships, putting the needs and interests of your friends before your own.
• Be a good listener: James 1:19 states, "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." Be patient, listen attentively to your friends, and try to understand their feelings and perspectives.
• Pray for your friends: Prayer is an essential aspect of Christian friendships. Pray for your friends regularly, asking God to bless, protect, and guide them.

Examples of Friendships In The Bible

There are several examples of friendships in the Bible that demonstrate the importance of love, loyalty, and support in relationships. Here are a few notable friendships:

• David and Jonathan: This friendship, found in 1 Samuel, is one of the most well-known in the Bible. David, the future king of Israel, and Jonathan, the son of King Saul, formed a deep bond, despite the tension between David and Saul. Their friendship was marked by loyalty, trust, and selflessness. Jonathan protected David from his father's wrath and even helped him escape, putting his own life at risk (1 Samuel 18-20).
• Ruth and Naomi: The story of Ruth and Naomi, found in the Book of Ruth, is a beautiful example of love and loyalty between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. When Naomi's husband and sons died, she decided to return to her homeland. Ruth, one of her daughters-in-law, chose to accompany her, leaving her own family and culture behind. Ruth's commitment to Naomi is evident in her famous words, "Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God" (Ruth 1:16).
• Jesus and His Disciples: Jesus' relationships with His disciples are examples of deep friendship and spiritual mentorship. He spent three years teaching, guiding, and supporting His disciples, preparing them for their future ministries. While Jesus is the Son of God, He also called His disciples friends, as stated in John 15:15, "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you."
• Paul and Barnabas: In the Book of Acts, we see the friendship and ministry partnership between Paul (previously known as Saul) and Barnabas. Barnabas played a significant role in Paul's early Christian life, vouching for his conversion when other believers were skeptical (Acts 9:26-27). They traveled together on missionary journeys, spreading the Gospel and strengthening the early church (Acts 13-15). Despite a disagreement that led them to separate for a time (Acts 15:36-41), their friendship and shared commitment to Christ remained.
• Paul and Timothy: Paul's relationship with Timothy, as seen in the New Testament letters of 1 and 2 Timothy, is a model of mentorship and spiritual friendship. Paul referred to Timothy as his "true son in the faith" (1 Timothy 1:2) and provided him with guidance and encouragement in his ministry. They shared a deep bond and commitment to spreading the Gospel.

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