Definition and Importance

Friendship is a significant theme in the Bible, reflecting the relational nature of God and His desire for humans to live in community. Friends are companions who provide support, encouragement, and accountability. The Bible highlights the value of having friends and the positive impact they can have on one's spiritual and personal life.

Biblical Examples of Friendship

1. David and Jonathan: One of the most notable friendships in the Bible is between David and Jonathan. Their relationship is characterized by loyalty, love, and mutual respect. Despite Jonathan being the son of King Saul, who sought David's life, Jonathan remained a steadfast friend. "Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself" (1 Samuel 18:3).

2. Ruth and Naomi: The bond between Ruth and her mother-in-law Naomi is another profound example of friendship. Ruth's loyalty to Naomi is evident when she declares, "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).

3. Jesus and His Disciples: Jesus exemplified friendship through His relationship with His disciples. He called them friends, saying, "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" (John 15:15).

Characteristics of Godly Friendship

1. Loyalty and Faithfulness: A true friend remains loyal through adversity. Proverbs 17:17 states, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity" .

2. Honesty and Truthfulness: Friends are honest with each other, even when it is difficult. Proverbs 27:6 notes, "The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful" .

3. Encouragement and Support: Friends provide encouragement and support, helping each other grow in faith. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 highlights this, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. For if one falls, his companion can lift him up" .

4. Sacrificial Love: Jesus taught that the greatest love is to lay down one's life for friends. "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13).

Warnings and Cautions

The Bible also warns about the influence of ungodly friendships. 1 Corinthians 15:33 cautions, "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good character'" . Believers are encouraged to choose friends who will positively influence their walk with God.

Friendship with God

The ultimate friendship is with God Himself. James 2:23 refers to Abraham as a "friend of God" , illustrating the intimate relationship believers can have with the Creator. Through Jesus Christ, believers are invited into a personal relationship with God, characterized by love, trust, and communication.

Conclusion

The Bible presents friendship as a vital aspect of human relationships, offering guidance on how to cultivate and maintain godly friendships. Through examples and teachings, Scripture underscores the importance of choosing friends wisely and being a friend who reflects the love and character of Christ.Proverbs 27:17
Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
Topicalbible.org

Genesis 2:7
And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
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Proverbs 27:6
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
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Genesis 19:1-38
And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;
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Jacob Jones; Or, the Man who Couldn't Get Along in the World.
... "I am sure I don't know," replied Jacob, not in a very cheerful tone. "I never
was lucky in having friends ready to assist me.". "Well! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arthur/words for the wise/jacob jones or the man.htm

Our Friends Take it Amiss that I have Spoken of the Origenists as ...
... Our friends take it amiss that I have spoken of the Origenists as confederated ... should
act like Esther who changed the purpose of Artaxerxes by having so long ...
/.../18 our friends take it.htm

But as the Wills of Friends, which are not Seen, are Believed ...
... 8. But as the wills of friends, which are not seen, are believed through tokens ... that
they see not, and ever bow Thou down their back." Thus, having with them ...
/.../augustine/concerning faith of things not seen /8 but as the wills.htm

I am Told, to Take Another Point, that one of his Followers ...
... point, that one of his followers, Chrysogonus, finds fault with me for having said
that ... He and his friends have in their hands my letter, for which they take ...
/.../32 i am told to.htm

Chrysostom -- Excessive Grief at the Death of Friends
... EXCESSIVE GRIEF AT THE DEATH OF FRIENDS. ... to the quick that they should all be snatched
away?"altogether and in one day; in the flower of life; having shown so ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/chrysostom excessive grief at.htm

But You Say, that You Therefore Believe Your Friend, Whose Heart ...
... And how in the having of true friends can that happiness be wished for, and not
rather feared, which nothing save unhappiness can put to the proof? ...
/.../augustine/concerning faith of things not seen /3 but you say that.htm

I Remember Indeed that one of These People, when He was Convicted ...
... indeed that one of these people, when he was convicted of having falsified this ... that
time we often saw one another, greeted one another as friends, and joined ...
/.../20 i remember indeed that.htm

What Jesus Asks of his Friends and Helpers
... THE NEW TESTAMENT WHAT JESUS ASKS OF HIS FRIENDS AND HELPERS. ... say good-by to my people
at home." Jesus said to him, "No one who looks back after having put his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/what jesus asks of his.htm

Letter vi. Associates and Friends.
... She will divide her attentions with all the members of the family, having special
regard ... how much assistance she should offer, if any, to the friends she visits ...
/.../letter vi associates and friends.htm

The Society of Friends, or Quakers.
... The Friends are few in number, but honorably distinguished for their philanthropy ...
Indians of North America followed the light when, after having been long ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 107 the society of.htm

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