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What Does the Bible Say About Friendship? – Viral Believer
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What Does the Bible Say About Friendship?

Introduction

Friendship is an integral part of our lives. It is a gift from God that enriches our existence and provides us with support, guidance, and love in times of need. Having good friends in our lives not only makes us feel loved and supported but it can also bring us closer to God.

The Bible offers us guidance on what it means to be a good friend and how to cultivate healthy and meaningful relationships with others. In this post, we will explore what the Bible says about friendship, its importance, and how to cultivate healthy and meaningful relationships with others.

The Old and New Testaments of the Bible provide numerous examples of strong and loyal friendships that can teach us about the true nature of friendship.

From David and Jonathan’s deep and profound friendship to Mary, Martha, and Lazarus’ close relationship with Jesus, the Bible demonstrates the power and importance of friendship.

The Bible also warns us about the dangers of unhealthy relationships and encourages us to choose our friends wisely, based on their character, values, and faith.

Throughout this post, we will explore the key qualities of a good friend according to the Bible, such as faithfulness, honesty, forgiveness, encouragement, and support. We will also discuss the types of friendships we should avoid, such as those with unbelievers or those who lead us away from God.

By the end of this post, you will have a deeper understanding of what it means to be a good friend and how to cultivate healthy and meaningful relationships with others in accordance with God’s teachings.

friends in the Bible

Friendship in the Old Testament

The Old Testament is full of examples of strong and loyal friendships that can teach us about the true nature of friendship. Let’s look at some of the most notable examples:

David and Jonathan

David and Jonathan’s friendship is considered one of the most profound and beautiful relationships in the Bible. Jonathan was the son of King Saul, but he recognized David’s talent and bravery and became his close friend.

Their bond was so strong that Jonathan even risked his life to protect David from his own father’s jealousy (1 Samuel 18-20).

Ruth and Naomi

Ruth and Naomi’s friendship is another example of a deep and selfless relationship. After Ruth’s husband died, she decided to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, even though she was a widow and had no children to provide for her.

Ruth’s love and loyalty to Naomi were so strong that she even decided to follow her to a new land and adopt her people’s customs (Ruth 1-4).

Job’s friends

Job was a man who suffered tremendous loss and pain, but his friends came to his side and provided him with comfort and support (Job 2:11-13). Although their advice was not always helpful or accurate, their presence and companionship were crucial in helping Job cope with his difficult situation.

Friendship in the New Testament

The New Testament also offers many examples of friendship and provides guidance on how to cultivate healthy relationships. Let’s look at some of the most significant examples:

Jesus and his disciples

Jesus had a close circle of friends that he called his disciples. They followed him and learned from him, but they were also his companions and friends. Jesus was so close to them that he even washed their feet as a sign of his love and humility (John 13:1-17).

Paul and Timothy

Paul was a great missionary and preacher, but he also had a deep friendship with Timothy. He mentored him and encouraged him in his faith, and he considered him his spiritual son (1 Timothy 1:2).

Mary, Martha, and Lazarus

These siblings had a special relationship with Jesus, and he often visited their home in Bethany. They were not only his friends but also his supporters and disciples (Luke 10:38-42; John 11-12).

Qualities of a Good Friend According to the Bible

The Bible provides us with guidance on what it means to be a good friend and how to cultivate healthy relationships. Here are some of the key qualities of a good friend, according to the Bible:

Faithfulness and loyalty

Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” A good friend is someone who stands by you in good times and bad and remains loyal to you even when things get tough.

Honesty and trustworthiness

Proverbs 27:6 says, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” A good friend is someone who tells you the truth, even when it’s hard to hear, and who you can trust with your deepest secrets and fears.

Willingness to forgive

Colossians 3:13 says, “Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”

A good friend is someone who is willing to forgive and reconcile when conflicts arise and who is quick to seek forgiveness and reconciliation when they have hurt you.

Encouragement and support

1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” A good friend is someone who provides encouragement and support, builds you up and inspires you to be the best version of yourself, and who is always there to offer a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on.

Correction and rebuke when necessary

Proverbs 27:5-6 says, “Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”

A good friend is someone who is not afraid to speak the truth in love, who offers constructive criticism, and who helps you to grow and mature in your faith and character.

Unhealthy Friendships According to the Bible

While the Bible emphasizes the importance of friendship, it also warns us about the dangers of unhealthy relationships. Here are some types of friendships that we should avoid, according to the Bible:

Friendships with unbelievers

2 Corinthians 6:14 says, “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?”

A good friend is someone who shares your faith and values, who can support you in your spiritual journey, and who can help you to grow in your relationship with God.

Friendships with those who are immoral or unethical

1 Corinthians 5:11 says, “But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner–not even to eat with such a person.”

A good friend is someone who is committed to living a life of integrity, who shares your moral values, and who helps you to stay on the path of righteousness.

Friendships that lead us away from God

Proverbs 13:20 says, “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” A good friend is someone who helps you to grow in your faith, encourages you to pursue godly wisdom and knowledge, and helps you to avoid the pitfalls of sin and temptation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bible emphasizes the importance of friendship and provides us with guidance on how to cultivate healthy and meaningful relationships with others.

By exploring the examples of strong and loyal friendships in the Old and New Testaments, we can learn about the true nature of friendship and its power to enrich our lives.

The Bible also warns us about the dangers of unhealthy relationships and encourages us to choose our friends wisely based on their character, values, and faith.

To be a good friend, we must be faithful, honest, forgiving, and supportive. We must also be willing to offer constructive criticism and help our friends grow in their faith and character.

At the same time, we must avoid friendships that lead us away from God and surround ourselves with friends who share our values and support our spiritual journey. As we strive to be good friends in accordance with God’s teachings, we can experience the joy and blessings that come with meaningful relationships.

May we all strive to be good friends and cultivate healthy and meaningful relationships with others, following the guidance and wisdom of the Bible.

As Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Let us be those kinds of friends to one another, and may God bless our relationships with love, support, and wisdom.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.