What Does the Bible Say About Friendship?

Among the most exquisite and important connections in life is friendship. The Bible provides knowledge about the value of real friendships, the traits of a good friend, and how relationships need to be grown in line with God’s standards. Scripture offers insightful advice on selecting the appropriate companions, improving current relationships, or becoming a better friend to oneself.

The Value of Real Friendship

The Bible stresses the need of company and the help friends offer. In Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 we come upon:

“Two are better than one as their labor has a decent return: should any of them fall, one can assist the other in getting back up. But pity anyone who falls and has nowhere to get back up.”

This chapter emphasizes the power and support real friends provide for us. Good friendships help us negotiate difficulties with someone by our side by providing emotional and spiritual support.

Proverbs 27:17 highlights this point:

“one person sharpens another as iron sharpens iron.”

A real buddy tests and builds your beliefs, knowledge, and character. They motivate development and help you to stay responsible.

Traits of a godly friend

The Bible holds that faithfulness, love, and trust should form the foundation of great friendships. A godly buddy possesses certain important traits including:

Courtesy and Reliability

• Proverbs 17:17 notes, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
• A good buddy is by your side in happy and challenging circumstances.

Transparency and Support

• Proverbs 27:6, “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses,” advises.
• True friends even in difficult circumstances communicate the truth with love.

Sacrifice and Selflessness

• John 15:13 notes, “Greater love has no one else than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
• Friendship calls for giving something up and putting others before yourself.

Grace and forgivingness

• Colossians 3:13: “Be with each other and pardon one another should any of you have a grievance against someone.” As the Lord atone for you.
• Instead of harboring resentment, a strong friendship consists in kindness and forgiving.

Making the Correct Friends

The Bible gives a warning regarding the impact of poor business ethics. 1 Corinthians 15:33 advises, “Bad company corrupts good character,” “do not be misled.”

God asks us to love everyone, but we have to be wise in choosing close friends who will support and deepen our religion. Pointers 13.20 advise:

“Walk with the wise and became wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”

Walking with God more steadily comes from surrounding oneself with others who encourage moral behavior and spiritual growth.

Friendship with God: The Perfect Courage

Beyond relationships on Earth, the Bible teaches that our best friend is God. James 2:23 states,

Abraham thought God, and he was dubbed God’s buddy as he was credited with righteousness.

Jesus calls us His buddies in John 15:15 as well.

“A servant does not know his master’s business hence I no longer call you servants. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything I discovered from my Father I have shared with you.”

Every friendship should start with our relationship with God, which will help us to be loving, faithful, and Christlike in our contacts.

Conclusion

Designed to bring delight, support, and encouragement, friendship is a gift from God. True friends are, according to the Bible, loyal, honest, selfless, and forgiving. It also reminds us that our best friend is God Himself and cautions us about the business we keep.

Following biblical values will help us to create and grow close, faith-based friendships reflecting God’s love. Let the wisdom of Scripture direct you whether your goals are to deepen your relationships or find fresh, Christian acquaintances.

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