Bible Verses about Friendship
A true friend is someone who encourages you and stands by you through thick and thin.
Jesus is the perfect example of a true companion as He teaches us how we are to bond with one another in love and humility. Christ was no respecter of persons (Romans 2:11) and treated everyone with kindness and compassion (Luke 7:34). The life of Jesus can be studied in the four New Testament Gospels, as it imparts wisdom and knowledge to choose true friends who will build you up.
Humility is one of the biggest traits of Jesus. The Bible tells us that though He was the Son of God, He humbled Himself as a man and experienced all the hardships that we face in life.
This is one of the best verse in the bible about friendship that speaks of Jesus,
Who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:6-8 (ESV)
Let’s explore some verses that can help us become friends who reflect the true nature of God.
➡ The Book of Proverbs in the bible is a good place to find lessons on wisdom and knowledge.
Best Verses in the Bible About Friendships (ESV)
1. Let Your Life be a Reflection of God’s Love
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16
2. No Greater Friend than Jesus
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13
3. Friendships are Important
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
4. Friendship of God
The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant. Psalm 25:14
5. A True Friend
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24
6. Do Not Judge One Another
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1-2
7. Friends Encourage Each Other
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians :11
8. Choosing Good Company
Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” 1 Corinthians 15:33
Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare. Proverbs 22:24-25
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Proverbs 13:20
9. A Faithful Friend
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy. Proverbs 27:6
10. Honor Each Other
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Romans 12:10
11. Forgive as the Lord Forgives
Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Colossians 3:13
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32
12. Pray for Each Other
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. James 5:16
Reflection on Friendships
By living out these principles, we can create deep, meaningful connections that enrich our lives and reflect God’s love to the world. Take some time to reflect on your own friendships. How can you be a better friend? How can you strengthen the bonds you share with those you love?
Best ways in Building Strong Friendships
- Pray together: Pray for your friends, and invite them to pray with you. Sharing your faith can deepen your connection and provide mutual support.
- Strengthen each other: Be there for your friends during both good times and bad. Offer a listening ear, a helping hand, or a word of encouragement.
- Forgive: Friendships aren’t perfect. Be willing to forgive your friends when they make mistakes, and ask for forgiveness when you need it.
Final Words on Friendship By Our Lord Jesus
“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:36-39
| Free PDF of the Gospels of the Bible Study Pack: Learn about the life of Jesus and His teachings throughout the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John along with study notes and key verses to memorize |
