- Dec 20, 2019
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When many people think about relationships in the Bible, romantic relationships often come to mind. While those are mentioned frequently, friendship is just as significant. Sadly, friendship today can sometimes be treated casually or without depth. Yet the Bible speaks often of its value, showing us that true friendship is sacrificial, loyal, sharpening, and uplifting.
Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
Friendship goes beyond the people we happen to be around. It’s rich community with those who build us up, recharge us, and challenge us to grow. As we seek what the Bible says about friendship, we’re really asking what its purpose is and who God calls us to walk with in community.
Proverbs 18:24 says, “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
You can have plenty of surface-level relationships, but just one true friend can make all the difference. A real friendship can even be stronger than family ties.
John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”
That’s the heart of true friendship—sacrificial and unconditional love. Jesus modeled this perfectly. He laid down His life for us and called His disciples friends, not servants. He taught them, walked with them, confided in them, and wept with them.
The Bible gives us other powerful examples too. One of the most well-known is David and Jonathan. Their friendship endured hardships, celebrated each other’s victories, and formed an unshakable bond. Jonathan stood by David, even at great personal cost, protecting him from his own father, King Saul. Their connection was deeply emotional and rooted in trust. After Jonathan’s death, David mourned profoundly.
Another example is Ruth and Naomi. Their relationship, though between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, displayed loyalty, support, and love, overcoming generational and cultural divides.
We also see the friendship between Paul and Timothy. This relationship reflects the heart of Christian mentorship. Timothy was humble and teachable, and Paul was patient and encouraging. With a friendship centered on Christ, it required openness, honesty, boldness, and grace.
Proverbs 27:9 says, “Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.”
Once we understand the value of friendship, we must use discernment in the relationships we form. Are your friendships leading you to truth, or causing you to stumble?
Proverbs 13:20 says, “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”
We’re called to walk with those who offer wise counsel. Surrounding ourselves with wisdom naturally makes us wiser.
1 Corinthians 15:33 says, “Do not be deceived, ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’”
Avoid being deceived; don’t let destructive relationships draw you away from God. Instead, seek community that builds up your faith.
Ask yourself: Are your closest friends walking with you through adversity? Are they helping you resist the temptations of the world?
Think of the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Faithfulness and courage marked their friendship with Daniel. They supported each other in trials, stood firm in their convictions, and encouraged one another in faith, even under the threat of death. It becomes easier to resist the pull of the world when surrounded by friends like that.
Let their example guide you. Ask the Holy Spirit for discernment to lead you into Christ-centered friendships and away from ones that aren’t bearing fruit.
As followers of Christ, how should we choose our friends? We should look for the qualities of godly community laid out in Scripture.
Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
A true friend is loving, faithful, and present through all seasons.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
Friendship marked by truthfulness, encouragement, and selfless love is the goal.
We’re not saying this kind of friendship is easy to find—it can be hard! But when you’re led by the Spirit and grounded in biblical wisdom, it’s possible. And the rewards are worth it. The wait, the prayer, and the perseverance is all worth it for a friendship rooted in Christ.
Step out with confidence in who God has called you to be. Let His light shine through you and draw others toward His presence. Be bold in your faith, and seek out friendships that reflect the values of the Kingdom.
Look to Jesus and model your friendships after His. While you seek Christ-centered friendships, remember, others are looking for them too. You might be the friend someone else has been praying for.
Lastly, find peace in the friendship you have with the Lord. It’s the greatest gift of all. Turn to Him, lean on Him, and let Him be your constant companion.
The post What Does the Bible Say About Friendship? appeared first on Focus on the Family.
Continue reading...
Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
Friendship goes beyond the people we happen to be around. It’s rich community with those who build us up, recharge us, and challenge us to grow. As we seek what the Bible says about friendship, we’re really asking what its purpose is and who God calls us to walk with in community.
The Value of Friendship
Proverbs 18:24 says, “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
You can have plenty of surface-level relationships, but just one true friend can make all the difference. A real friendship can even be stronger than family ties.
John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”
That’s the heart of true friendship—sacrificial and unconditional love. Jesus modeled this perfectly. He laid down His life for us and called His disciples friends, not servants. He taught them, walked with them, confided in them, and wept with them.
The Bible gives us other powerful examples too. One of the most well-known is David and Jonathan. Their friendship endured hardships, celebrated each other’s victories, and formed an unshakable bond. Jonathan stood by David, even at great personal cost, protecting him from his own father, King Saul. Their connection was deeply emotional and rooted in trust. After Jonathan’s death, David mourned profoundly.
Another example is Ruth and Naomi. Their relationship, though between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, displayed loyalty, support, and love, overcoming generational and cultural divides.
We also see the friendship between Paul and Timothy. This relationship reflects the heart of Christian mentorship. Timothy was humble and teachable, and Paul was patient and encouraging. With a friendship centered on Christ, it required openness, honesty, boldness, and grace.
Proverbs 27:9 says, “Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.”
Discernment in Friendship
Once we understand the value of friendship, we must use discernment in the relationships we form. Are your friendships leading you to truth, or causing you to stumble?
Proverbs 13:20 says, “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”
We’re called to walk with those who offer wise counsel. Surrounding ourselves with wisdom naturally makes us wiser.
1 Corinthians 15:33 says, “Do not be deceived, ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’”
Avoid being deceived; don’t let destructive relationships draw you away from God. Instead, seek community that builds up your faith.
Ask yourself: Are your closest friends walking with you through adversity? Are they helping you resist the temptations of the world?
Think of the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Faithfulness and courage marked their friendship with Daniel. They supported each other in trials, stood firm in their convictions, and encouraged one another in faith, even under the threat of death. It becomes easier to resist the pull of the world when surrounded by friends like that.
Let their example guide you. Ask the Holy Spirit for discernment to lead you into Christ-centered friendships and away from ones that aren’t bearing fruit.
How to Choose Friends
As followers of Christ, how should we choose our friends? We should look for the qualities of godly community laid out in Scripture.
Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
A true friend is loving, faithful, and present through all seasons.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
Friendship marked by truthfulness, encouragement, and selfless love is the goal.
We’re not saying this kind of friendship is easy to find—it can be hard! But when you’re led by the Spirit and grounded in biblical wisdom, it’s possible. And the rewards are worth it. The wait, the prayer, and the perseverance is all worth it for a friendship rooted in Christ.
A Challenge for You
Step out with confidence in who God has called you to be. Let His light shine through you and draw others toward His presence. Be bold in your faith, and seek out friendships that reflect the values of the Kingdom.
Look to Jesus and model your friendships after His. While you seek Christ-centered friendships, remember, others are looking for them too. You might be the friend someone else has been praying for.
Lastly, find peace in the friendship you have with the Lord. It’s the greatest gift of all. Turn to Him, lean on Him, and let Him be your constant companion.
The post What Does the Bible Say About Friendship? appeared first on Focus on the Family.
Continue reading...
