Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Importance Good friends are individuals who provide companionship, support, and encouragement, reflecting the love and faithfulness that are central to Christian teachings. In the Bible, friendship is portrayed as a valuable and enriching relationship, often used as a metaphor for the relationship between God and His people. Biblical Examples of Good Friends 1. David and Jonathan: One of the most notable examples of friendship in the Bible is the relationship between David and Jonathan. Despite the potential for rivalry, Jonathan, the son of King Saul, formed a deep bond with David. Their friendship was marked by loyalty and selflessness. In 1 Samuel 18:1, it is written, "After David had finished speaking with Saul, the souls of Jonathan and David were knit together, and Jonathan loved him as himself." 2. Ruth and Naomi: The account of Ruth and Naomi is another profound example of friendship. After the death of her husband, Ruth chose to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, demonstrating loyalty and devotion. Ruth 1:16-17 records Ruth's commitment: "But Ruth replied: 'Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For 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. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me, and ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.'" 3. Jesus and His Disciples: Jesus exemplified the ultimate friendship through His relationship with His disciples. He taught them, shared in their joys and sorrows, and ultimately laid down His life for them. In John 15:13-15, Jesus says, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you." Characteristics of Good Friends 1. Loyalty: A good friend remains steadfast and faithful, even in difficult times. Proverbs 17:17 states, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." 2. Honesty: True friends speak the truth in love, offering guidance and correction when necessary. Proverbs 27:6 notes, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." 3. Encouragement: Good friends uplift and encourage one another, helping each other grow in faith and character. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 encourages believers to "Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing." 4. Sacrifice: A hallmark of genuine friendship is the willingness to put the needs of others before one's own. Philippians 2:3-4 advises, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Theological Significance Friendship in the Bible is not merely a social construct but a reflection of divine love and community. The friendships depicted in Scripture often mirror the covenant relationship between God and humanity. As believers, cultivating good friendships is a way to live out the love and grace that God extends to us. Through friendships, Christians can experience and demonstrate the love of Christ, serving as a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel. Topical Bible Verses Proverbs 13:20He that walks with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. Topicalbible.org 1 Corinthians 5:11 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 Greek 2132. eunoeo -- to think kindly of, ie to be favorable ... eunoeo Phonetic Spelling: (yoo-no-eh'-o) Short Definition: I have good-will Definition ... to think kindly of, ie to be favorable NASB Word Usage make friends (1). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2132.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 7965. shalom -- completeness, soundness, welfare, peace... peace NASB Word Usage close (2), ease (1), favorable (1), friend* (1), friendly terms (1), friends* (2), greet ... well, favor, friend, great, good health, perfect ... /hebrew/7965.htm - 6k 376. ish -- man Library The Right to Live with the People of My Choice Concerning the Opinion of Plato, According to which He Defined the ... Paul Writes to his Friends at Thessalonica The Our Father Letter vi. Associates and Friends. The Galleys Jesus Wins Devoted Friends Paul Writes to his Friends in Corinth Paul's Last Words to his Friends Jesus' Last Journey to Jerusalem. Resources Why is being a good person not enough to get you into heaven? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does God allow bad things to happen to good people? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that all things work together for good? | GotQuestions.org Good: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Good and Evil: Choice Between, by Adam and Eve Good and Evil: Conflict Between Good and Evil: Exhortation to Choose Between Good and Evil: Subjective Conflict Between Good for Evil: General Scriptures Concerning Good for Evil: Returning: Abraham, to Abimelech Good for Evil: Returning: David, to his Enemies Good for Evil: Returning: David, to Saul Good for Evil: Returning: Elisha, to the Syrians Good for Evil: Returning: Jesus, to his Crucifiers Good for Evil: Returning: Stephen, to his Murderers Good News: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms Good-for-nothing (22 Occurrences) |
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