Importance of Friendship
The Bible is rich in scriptures which emphasize the importance of friendship. Proverbs 18:24 states, “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” This verse suggests that having many friends is not wise and that someone special can be a far better companion. The Bible advises us to be thoughtful when looking out for friends and to not be easily influenced by the company of strangers.
Not only does the Bible emphasize the importance of friendship but it also refers to qualities that true friends should possess. 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. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” These verses point out that true friends should always seek to help and not to hurt each other. A real friend should be someone who lifts us up when we are down, not someone who brings us down.
Characteristics of Good Friends
The Bible is filled with examples of great friendships and it provides us with vital clues and advice on what makes a good friend. Throughout the Bible we see that true friends are loyal and supportive of each other. In 1 Samuel 18:1-4, we read that Jonathan and David had a special friendship based on loyalty. Jonathan remained loyal to David, even when his father King Saul wanted to kill him. True friends should always try to stay loyal, even when it is challenging to do so.
The Bible also speaks of ‘iron sharpening iron’. This proverb is found in Proverbs 27:17 and suggests that good friends should help each other to be better people. True friends can challenge each other and point each other in the right direction. They can help each other to make positive changes, so they can grow in their faith and become better people.
Relationships with Unbelievers
The Bible warns us to stay away from the company of those who are ungodly. 2 Corinthians 6:14-15 states, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” This verse suggests that it is better to stay away from non-believers and that it is important to choose our friends carefully.
Having said this, the Bible does not encourage us to completely ignore those who do not believe. Jesus, who was the ultimate example of love, had relationships with those who rejected him. He often showed them mercy and respect, and he sometimes used those relationships to share the good news of his kingdom with them.
The Power of Friendship
Friendship is powerful and can have a profound effect on our lives. Good friends can encourage us to become better people and can also be our greatest source of comfort and support. A true friend is loyal, honest, caring and understanding and they can help us to make wise decisions and stay away from harmful influences.
The Bible offers a lot of wisdom on friendship and it can help us to choose better friends and build stronger relationships with those around us. So it is important to follow the Bible’s advice when it comes to forming and managing friendships.
Prayer
One of the best pieces of advice that the Bible gives us about friendship is to pray for each other. James 5:16 states, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” This verse indicates that we can use prayer to strengthen our relationship with our friends. Praying for each other can help us to foster a more healthy and meaningful friendship.
Forgive and Forgo
No friendship is perfect and hurtful things can happen between two friends. But rather than letting those things ruin the relationship, we should forgive our friend and end the dispute. Proverbs 10:12 states, “Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers all wrongs.” This verse encourages us to be forgiving and to always show love towards our friends, even when they make mistakes.
Honoring Friendships
One of the most beautiful affirmations of friendship that the Bible offers us is found in the Song of Solomon 4:9, which reads, “You have captivated my heart, my sister, my bride; you have captivated my heart with one glance of your eyes.” This verse speaks of the beauty of true love and friendship between two people who are very close. It is a reminder that as Christians, we should always try to honor our friendships and appreciate them for the gift that they are.
Carrying each other’s burdens
The Bible exhorts us to love our friends and to bear the burdens of their troubles. Galatians 6:2 states “Carry each other’s burdens and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” This verse encourages us to be there for our friends when they are going through difficult times and do our best to lighten their load.
Humble Friendship
Humility is an important attribute that the Bible encourages us to adopt in all walks of life and this includes our relationships with friends. Philippians 2:3-4 states, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” This verse speaks of the importance of humbling ourselves and not thinking too highly of ourselves. It also speaks of the importance of valuing our friends highly and being willing to put their needs before our own.
Receiving and Giving Support
The Bible teaches us that as Christians, not only should we be willing to provide support and strength to our friends, but we should also be willing to receive it from them. Jeremiah 17:14 states, “Heal me, Lord and I shall be healed; save me and I shall be saved for you are the one I praise.” This verse is a recognition of the power that comes from receiving and offering support to each other. It shows us that when we open ourselves up to our friends and ask for help, that God can provide us with the strength we need.
Sharing a common bond
The Bible encourages us to form genuine connections with other believers who share a common bond. Romans 12:10 advises us to “be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” This is an important reminder that friends should be people who we can trust and rely on. We should strive to form meaningful connections with people who can understand us and who share our faith.
Unconditional Love
The Bible speaks of the importance of loving our friends unconditionally. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 states, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” This verse speaks of a true, unconditional love that we should strive for when dealing with our friends.
Practicing patience
Patience is another important thing that the Bible mentions when talking about friendship. Ecclesiastes 7:8 reminds us to “Be not quick in spirit to become angry, for anger lodges itself in the bosom of fools.” This verse cautions us to be patient with our friends and to recognize that sometimes things don’t always work out the way we want them to. We should never let our anger towards our friends turn in to bitterness.
Treasuring Friendships
We should always cherish and treasure the friendships that God has given to us. Proverbs 18:24 says, “A man of many friends may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” This verse serves as a reminder to appreciate and treasure the people around us and be thankful that God has given us friends who we can rely on. True friends are a blessing and it is important to recognize and value them.
