Definition and Importance
Friendliness is the quality of being kind, pleasant, and supportive towards others. In the biblical context, friendliness is closely associated with love, hospitality, and the expression of God's character through human relationships. It is an essential aspect of Christian living, reflecting the love and grace that believers have received from God.

Biblical Foundations
The Bible emphasizes the importance of friendliness and kindness as virtues that believers should cultivate. Proverbs 18:24 states, "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother." This verse highlights the value of genuine friendship and the deep bond that can exist between friends, surpassing even familial ties.

In the New Testament, friendliness is often linked with love and hospitality. Romans 12:10 instructs believers to "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another." This call to love and honor one another underscores the importance of friendliness as a reflection of Christian love.

Friendliness in Action
The Bible provides numerous examples of friendliness in action. One notable example is the relationship between David and Jonathan. Despite the potential for rivalry, Jonathan showed great kindness and loyalty to David, even at the risk of his own life (1 Samuel 18:1-4). Their friendship is a powerful testament to the strength and depth of true friendliness.

The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) also illustrates friendliness in action. The Samaritan's willingness to help a wounded stranger, despite cultural and ethnic differences, exemplifies the kind of selfless love and compassion that Jesus calls His followers to demonstrate.

The Role of Friendliness in the Christian Community
Friendliness is vital for building and maintaining a strong Christian community. Hebrews 13:2 encourages believers, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." This verse highlights the importance of welcoming others and creating an inclusive and supportive environment.

Furthermore, friendliness can serve as a powerful witness to non-believers. Jesus taught that love among His followers would be a distinguishing mark of His disciples (John 13:35). By exhibiting friendliness, Christians can demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel and draw others to Christ.

Challenges to Friendliness
While friendliness is a desirable trait, it can be challenging to maintain, especially in the face of conflict or misunderstanding. Ephesians 4:31-32 advises believers to "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you." This passage underscores the need for forgiveness and kindness, even when it is difficult.

Conclusion
Friendliness is a vital aspect of Christian character, rooted in love and expressed through actions of kindness and hospitality. By cultivating friendliness, believers can strengthen their relationships, build up the church community, and serve as a testament to the love of Christ in the world.(n.) The condition or quality of being friendly.5381. philoxenia -- love of strangers
... 5381 (from 5384 , "friend" and 3581, "a stranger") -- properly, warmth (friendliness)
shown to strangers; (figuratively) the (generosity) by entertaining in ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5381.htm - 7k

5390. philophronos -- kindly
... courteously. Adverb from philophron; with friendliness of mind, ie Kindly --
courteously. see GREEK philophron. (philophronos) -- 1 Occurrence. 5389, 5390. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5390.htm - 6k

Whether Friendliness is a Special virtue?
... OF THE FRIENDLINESS WHICH IS CALLED AFFABILITY (TWO ARTICLES) Whether
friendliness is a special virtue? Objection 1: It seems that ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether friendliness is a special.htm

Of the Friendliness which is Called Affability (Two Articles)
... OF THE FRIENDLINESS WHICH IS CALLED AFFABILITY (TWO ARTICLES). ... Concerning
friendliness or affability, there are two points of inquiry: ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/of the friendliness which is.htm

Eighth Lesson. Because of his Importunity;'
... It is when we draw near to God as the friend of the poor and the perishing that
we may count on His friendliness; the righteous man who is the friend of the ...
/.../murray/with christ in the school of prayer/eighth lesson because of his.htm

The First Disciples
... now returned to the ordinary daily life in Galilee, and as a guest at a wedding
feast he commenced that ministry of simple human friendliness (Matthew 11:19 ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/viii the first disciples.htm

Now, as to the Question which You Raise, when it was that I Began ...
... judged. Our duties in our monastery are those of hospitality; we welcome
all who come to us with the smile of human friendliness. ...
/.../17 now as to the.htm

Preface
... may be detected by the candid and critical reader, they will be attributed to their
proper source, and pointed out with that spirit of friendliness which will ...
/.../bangs/a history of the methodist episcopal church volume i/preface.htm

The Mystery of Personality
... charm or presence. Those who associated with him, whether rich or poor,
talented or commonplace, felt his friendliness. He was at ...
/.../herrick/frank h nelson of cincinnati/the mystery of personality.htm

Of the Remedy for the Fourth Source of Weariness.
... to offend his spirit of reverence by any harshness attaching to it; but it should
be of a nature fitted rather to conciliate him by the friendliness which it ...
/.../on the catechising of the uninstructed/chapter 13 of the remedy for.htm

Third Sunday after Epiphany
... We must extend friendliness to all men, even though they be not friendly
to us. It is impossible to maintain peace at all times. ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/third sunday after epiphany.htm

A Casket of Jewels
... the One Spirit. Ling Ai and I alone know how much we have to thank God
for the friendliness of their mutual relationships. As to ...
/.../cable/the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xxiii a casket of.htm

Friendliness (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The condition or quality of being friendly.
Multi-Version Concordance Friendliness (1 Occurrence). ...
/f/friendliness.htm - 6k

Propitiation (4 Occurrences)
... hilasmos, is found in the New Testament only in 1 John 2:2; John 4:10.
Here the idea is active grace, or mercy, or friendliness. ...
/p/propitiation.htm - 15k

Friendly (17 Occurrences)

/f/friendly.htm - 11k

Friendship (13 Occurrences)
... being friends; friendly relation, or attachment, to a person, or between persons;
affection arising from mutual esteem and good will; friendliness; amity; good ...
/f/friendship.htm - 13k

Friendless (1 Occurrence)

/f/friendless.htm - 6k

Betray (29 Occurrences)
... to put Him in the hands of His enemies; (b) he did it stealthily by night, and
(c) by a kiss, an act which professed affection and friendliness; (d) he did it ...
/b/betray.htm - 17k

Greet (46 Occurrences)
... Genesis 37:4 And his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his
brethren, and they hated him, and could not greet him with friendliness. (DBY). ...
/g/greet.htm - 19k

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