Definition and Context:
To "befriend" means to act as a friend to someone, offering support, kindness, and companionship. In the biblical context, befriending is often associated with love, loyalty, and the demonstration of God's love through human relationships. The concept of befriending is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, emphasizing the importance of community, fellowship, and the extension of grace and mercy to others.

Biblical Examples and Teachings:

1. Jonathan and David:
One of the most profound examples of befriending in the Bible is the relationship between Jonathan and David. Despite Jonathan being the son of King Saul, who sought David's life, Jonathan befriended David, showing loyalty and love. In 1 Samuel 18:3, it is written, "Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself." This friendship exemplifies selflessness and the willingness to support and protect a friend even at personal cost.

2. Jesus and His Disciples:
Jesus' relationship with His disciples is a model of divine friendship. In John 15:15, Jesus says, "No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you." Jesus' befriending of His disciples includes teaching, guiding, and ultimately laying down His life for them, as stated in John 15:13, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."

3. The Good Samaritan:
The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) illustrates the act of befriending through compassion and mercy. The Samaritan, moved by compassion, aids a wounded man whom others ignored. This account highlights that befriending transcends social and ethnic boundaries, calling believers to love their neighbors as themselves.

4. Ruth and Naomi:
The account of Ruth and Naomi is another example of befriending through loyalty and devotion. Ruth, a Moabite widow, chooses to stay with her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi, saying, "Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God" (Ruth 1:16). Ruth's commitment to Naomi demonstrates steadfast love and friendship.

Theological Implications:

Befriending in the biblical sense is an expression of God's love and grace. It reflects the character of God, who desires a personal relationship with humanity. Proverbs 17:17 states, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity," underscoring the constancy and reliability expected in true friendship. Befriending others is a practical outworking of the commandment to love one's neighbor (Matthew 22:39).

Practical Application:

Believers are called to emulate the examples of friendship found in Scripture by showing kindness, loyalty, and sacrificial love to others. Befriending involves active engagement in the lives of others, offering support, encouragement, and a listening ear. It is a means of witnessing to the love of Christ, as seen in the early church, where believers shared their lives and resources with one another (Acts 2:44-47).

In summary, befriending is a vital aspect of Christian living, reflecting the love and grace of God through genuine relationships with others.(v. t.) To act as a friend to; to favor; to aid, benefit, or countenance.

Our Deserts
... love to them. But if we care for others, they will learn to care for us;
if we befriend others, they will befriend us. If we show ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xxxviii our deserts.htm

Constant, Instant, Expectant
... it is not without prayer that we proceed to "distribute to the necessities of the
saints." Because we have prayed for them we are ready to befriend them by ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 25 1879/constant instant expectant.htm

V. ...
... But he does not speak here particularly of those marks of the love which leads us
to befriend our neighbor, and do good, which are called, specifically, good ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter iv v .htm

"Savior, Like a Shepherd, Lead Us. "
... are. We are Thine, do Thou befriend us, Be the Guardian of our way; Keep
Thy flock, from sin defend us, Seek us when we go astray. ...
/.../anonymous/the good shepherd/savior like a shepherd lead.htm

Love not the World.
... Beware of it. It is a bitter foe to grace. It is an enemy to God; and if you
befriend it, you make yourself an enemy to God. "Whosoever ...
/.../orr/food for the lambs or helps for young christians/love not the world.htm

O Zion, Shout with Glee!
... Rejoice"His victory is won! O dear and sweetest voice divine,. O Christ, Thou wilt
befriend,. And lead Thy people safely on. E'en to their journey's end; ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the greek church/o zion shout with glee.htm

By St. Cosmas, Died 760 AD
... To Thy disciples made,". A holy Paraclete to send,. To succour, comfort, and befriend.
With His inspiring aid. II. On earth the light is shining clear,. ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the greek church/by st cosmas died 760.htm

Luther's Small Catechism. AD 1529.
... We should so fear and love God as not to do our neighbor any injury or harm in his
body, but help and befriend him in all bodily troubles. Das Sechste (Gebot). ...
/.../luthers small catechism a d 1529.htm

A Carol.
... Beauteous Infant in the manger, O befriend us! beyond danger Bring us where
is turn'd God's anger, Where with angel hosts we'll praise! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/a carol.htm

A Song of Christian Consolation and Joy.
... Is God for me? t'oppose me A thousand may uprise; When I to pray'r arouse me,
He'll chase mine enemies. And doth the Head befriend me, Am I belov'd by God? ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/a song of christian consolation.htm

Befriend (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Befriend (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 22:24 Don't befriend
a hot-tempered man, and don't associate with one who harbors anger: (WEB). ...
/b/befriend.htm - 6k

Friend (139 Occurrences)
... They are popularly called Quakers. 5. (n.) A paramour of either sex. 6. (vt) To
act as the friend of; to favor; to countenance; to befriend. Int. ...
/f/friend.htm - 40k

Before-time (1 Occurrence)
Before-time. Beforetime, Before-time. Befriend . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(WBS). Beforetime, Before-time. Befriend . Reference Bible.
/b/before-time.htm - 6k

Befuddled (1 Occurrence)

/b/befuddled.htm - 6k

Associate (20 Occurrences)
... (See NAS RSV). Proverbs 22:24 Don't befriend a hot-tempered man, and don't
associate with one who harbors anger: (WEB NAS NIV). Proverbs ...
/a/associate.htm - 14k

Harbors (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Harbors (2 Occurrences). Proverbs 22:24 Don't befriend
a hot-tempered man, and don't associate with one who harbors anger: (WEB). ...
/h/harbors.htm - 6k

Hot-tempered (4 Occurrences)
... (WEB NIV). Proverbs 22:24 Don't befriend a hot-tempered man, and don't associate
with one who harbors anger: (WEB NAS NIV). Proverbs ...
/h/hot-tempered.htm - 7k

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