What Does The Bible Say About A Friend
Friendship is a virtue that is held dear by many, and the Bible speaks about friendship in several key passages. The Bible is full of accounts of famous friendships, such as David and Jonathan and Ruth and Naomi, that stand as timeless examples of loyal companionship. The Bible also includes teachings about what true friendship should look like and how it should be valued.
In the book of Proverbs, it is indicated that friends should be true and faithful. Proverbs 18:24 says, “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” This passage reminds us of the need for true friendship, not only those with many acquaintances or casual friends. Furthermore, Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Friends are meant to help each other grow and become stronger. Here, it is suggested that friendship be viewed as a two-way commitment — that friends should mutually benefit each other and bring out the best qualities in each other.
The New Testament contains teachings about the power of friendship and its relevance in the spiritual realm. In Romans 12:10, it is stated that “Love one another with brotherly affection. Out do one another in showing honor.” This expression reminds us of the importance of cherishing and honoring our friends. It is also said that we ought to have the same commitment to our spiritual family — the Church — as we would have towards our earthly friends. In addition, the Bible tells us that our friends should support us and remain loyal to us through trials, as Proverbs 17:17 states, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” True friendship is there for us when it counts, and when we face hard times, we can trust in friends for strength and encouragement.
Encouraging Friendships
The Bible encourages us to maintain healthy friendships, but it also tells us it is a privilege that must be earned. Friends should be held accountable for their actions and statements and should be treated equally. James 4:4 says, “You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” Therefore, it is important to have friends who possess the same values as us, so that our collective actions are True and in line with God’s commands. Furthermore, it is expected that we extend trust and loyalty to our friends, as found in Proverbs 17:9, “He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.” This scripture clearly expresses the responsibility of fairness and confidentiality in friendship.
The Gift of Friendship
The Bible is filled with teachings about friendship and its value in our lives. True friendship is a gift from God, and one that demands respect and integrity. Genesis 2:18 reads, “And the Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.’” Thus, from the very beginning, God saw the importance of companionship and the beauty of having a friend. Furthermore, Proverbs 13:20 indicates that true friendship should bring joy to our heart, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” Hence, friendships should bring contentment and bring out the best in each person.
Friendships are treasures that should be both enjoyed and cherished. The Bible has plenty of accounts of great friendships, as well as teachings that help us cultivate our own relationships in a healthy, godly manner. In the end, friendship is a privilege that is granted by God, and it ought to be actively sought, cultivated and practiced.
Ten Commandments of Friendship
The Ten Commandments of Friendship are a great way to remember the value of healthy, biblical companionship. They are:
- Honor one another.
- Show loyalty and trust.
- Acknowledge and celebrate each other’s values and passions.
- Communicate openly.
- Allow for mistakes.
- Give grace.
- Respect boundaries.
- Share generously.
- Be patient.
- Be honest.
Facing Difficulties in Friendship
It is possible that not every friendship may end in joy and laughter. Sometimes, friendships may require hard conversations or difficult moments of truth. Proverbs 27:6 says, “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” In times of brokenness, true friends can be counted on to speak the truth and spur us on to goodness. Likewise, such moments of friendship require courage and strength from both friends, and a commitment to speak the truth in love.
Furthermore, difficult moments in friendships may also arise from differing opinions, beliefs and thoughts. Proverbs 12:1 tells us, “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.” Here, we can be reminded of the need for ongoing learning, exchange and growth in our friendships, as well as being open to different perspectives and accepting them with an open heart.
The Value of Good Friends
The Bible speaks of friendship in several key passages, and it is clear from its teachings that it is a relationship to be treasured. Good friends are to be celebrated and held dear for the joy, laughter and support that they bring into our lives. The Bible acknowledges the value of true friendship, expressing that it is a privilege that must be both earned and respected.
In friendship, we ought to view it as a two-way commitment, as well as having equal accountability. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, we are encouraged to trust in friends and be loyal when it counts. We ought to recognize strengths in one another and be willing to have difficult conversations to help each other grow.
The gift of friendship is something to be cherished; it is a blessing that should be actively sought, cultivated and nurtured. We are blessed with times of joy, laughter, wisdom and support; all of which that is made possible by the power of friendship and the blessing that it is.
Forgiveness In Friendship
We are instructed to love one another and forgive each other, especially our friends. Luke 6:37 says, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” This passage can be applied to all relationships, including friendships. It is possible that friends make mistakes and require forgiveness, but by using this scripture, we can be reminded of the importance of leaving judgment behind us and offering up forgiveness.
Moreover, 1 Timothy 1:5 instructs us to “love genuine, appreciate difference and devote ourselves to true friendship”. Through this scripture, we can be reminded of the need to be open and accepting towards our friends’ actions, regardless of whether or not we agree. Further, 1 Corinthians 9:11 tells us to be gracious in our expectations of one another and “make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive anyone who offends you.” This scripture shows us that forgiveness should be paired with grace.
From these scriptures, we can recognize the importance of ongoing forgiveness and grace in friendship. Differences between friends can be mended with acts of mercy, understanding and openness.
The Power of Prayer In Friendship
One of the most powerful tools the Bible gives us is prayer, and it can be a powerful agent of healing and change in friendship. In James 5:16, it is said that “the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective,” and by using this tool, we can actively seek spiritual guidance and solace for our friendships.
It is also stated in Ephesians 6:18 that we should “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” This passage reflects the potential strength of prayer and the importance of relying on God to help us strengthen and guide our relationships.
In addition, Philippians 4:6 reminds us to “do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” This scripture tells us to be intentional in our prayer and highlights that with faith and trust, we can bring our deepest desires and needs to God.
In conclusion, the Bible speaks of friendship in several key passages and speaks of our need for companionship. Friendships should be cherished, respected and utilized in our spiritual walks. We are reminded of the importance of forgiveness, trust and respecting our friends for their individual qualities. Furthermore, we are invited to use prayer to seek guidance and help for our friendships.
