Kindness, Love, And Loyalty: What Are Some Key Bible Verses About Friendship?
Key takeaways
- In the Bible, there are many verses related to friendship that emphasize the power and necessity of love, the value of loyalty, and the importance of showing kindness and forgiveness to others.
- For some people, reading and reflecting on these verses may offer valuable insight and wisdom.
- If you would like support with your specific concerns regarding the friendships in your life, turning to a therapist can help.
Religious texts like the Bible can be a profound source of comfort, wisdom, and guidance for many. People may turn to the Bible for guidance on a range of topics, including friendship. The Bible contains many verses related to friendship, often highlighting a few key themes, such as the power of love, the importance of loyalty, and the necessity of kindness and forgiveness. To explore some of these ideas, you can read through the selection of Bible verses below. For professional support navigating the ins and outs of friendship and cultivating stronger bonds in your life, consider seeking therapy with a qualified provider.
What does the Bible say about the power of love? “Love covers a multitude of sins”
The Bible contains a wide array of passages about the power and necessity of loving each other. For instance, one such passage contains the following instruction: “Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.” –1 John 4:11
Understanding 1 Peter 4:8 - “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins”
Another prominent passage on the power of love comes up in the First Epistle of Peter, urging readers to show love, hospitality, and care to others: "Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling." –1 Peter 4:8-9
What does the Bible say about loyalty? “Greater love has no one than this”
In addition to the power of love, the Bible also contains many passages about the importance of loyalty toward one’s friends. For instance, the following passage in Philippians encourages readers to practice humility and put others first: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves." –Philippians 2:3
Understanding John 15:13 - “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends”
Another well-known verse on the importance of loyalty to friends comes in the Gospel of John. It emphasizes that putting others’ needs before your own can be seen as the highest form of love. In this verse, Jesus Christ instructs his followers to love each other deeply: "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." –John 15:12-13
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What does the Bible say about kindness and forgiveness? Forgiving others as God forgave
Another key theme that emerges in the Bible is the importance of showing kindness and forgiveness to others. Many passages encourage readers to treat others in the way God treats them.
Verses about friendship, kindness, and forgiving each other as God forgives
Below are a few Bible verses encouraging kindness, unity, and forgiveness:
- “He who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.” –Job 6:14
- "How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!" –Psalm 133:1
- "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." –Colossians 3:13
What teachings on friendship does the Book of Proverbs contain?
While there are many verses about friendship throughout the Bible, the Book of Proverbs, in particular, contains several prominent passages on friendship.
Bible verses about friendship from the Book of Proverbs
Some of the verses about friendship found in the Book of Proverbs include the following:
- "Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice." –Proverbs 27:9
- "One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." –Proverbs 18:24
- "The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray." –Proverbs 12:26
- "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm." –Proverbs 13:20
- "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity." –Proverbs 17:17
What are some other well-known Bible verses about friendship?
Beyond the Bible verses included above, there are also many others about friendship. Below are a few examples:
- "Oh, for the days when I was in my prime, when God's intimate friendship blessed my house, when the Almighty was still with me and my children were around me." –Job 29:4-6
- "Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared." –Proverbs 22:24-25
- "Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character." –1 Corinthians 15:33
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Where can you find support for building stronger friendships?
Reading and reflecting on these Bible verses may offer valuable insight for some people, but if you want direct support for specific concerns related to the close relationships in your life, turning to a therapist can help.
In online or in-person therapy, a qualified mental health professional can help you enhance your social skills, develop healthier communication patterns, and take steps to build stronger and more meaningful connections with others. If you experience anxiety or other concerns that may present added challenges with meeting new people and forming connections, seeking online therapy from the comfort of home may can be an easy solution. Online therapy platforms can also make it simple to find a provider who shares your religious beliefs.
Research shows that online therapy can be effective for a range of relationship and mental health concerns, including anxiety. Both forms of therapy typically use evidence-backed strategies to promote mental and relationship health.
Takeaway
For those who find wisdom and comfort in the Bible, many verses on friendship can offer valuable insight. For additional support with specific concerns regarding friendships and other close relationships in your life, you can connect with a therapist in person or online.
What is the best Bible verse for a friend?
One Bible verse for a friend is, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10). Serving close friends and others with God’s grace and God’s word can enable people to act as faithful stewards of all these virtues.
Another quote about friends from the Bible is, “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17). In addition, Proverbs 27:6 says, “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
Additional Bible verses about friends include the following:
- “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” (John 15:15)
- “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Romans 12:9–10)
- “Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” (Proverbs 27:5-6)
- “Thine own friend and thy father’s friend, forsake not; neither go to thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity; for better is a neighbor that is near than a brother far off.” (King James Version, Proverbs 27:10)
- “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3:12)
What God says about friendship?
One Bible quote about friendship is, “Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends” (Proverbs 17:9). Similarly, in Proverbs 16:28, the Bible says, “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and gossip separates close friends.”
What is a true friend according to the Bible?
The Bible encourages individuals to be kind, generous, and loyal to their friends. It also states the importance of forgiving others just as Christ forgave.
What is a good prayer about friendship?
There isn’t necessarily a specific prayer about friendship. Instead, individuals can offer God gratitude for their friends and ask that God help them support their friends in the way they deserve.
What is a spiritual message for a friend?
A spiritual message for a friend may tap into that person’s spiritual or religious beliefs, reminding them of a higher power. It may also promote strength and peace.
How is friendship a blessing?
Friendship can be a blessing in many ways. Research suggests that strong friendships can promote physical and mental health.
What are the three types of friendships in the Bible?
There are multiple types of friendship in the Bible. Some sources discuss the importance of having mentors, peers, and disciples as friends.
What are the qualities of a good friend?
A good friend is usually loyal, kind, and empathetic. They may also be dependable and trustworthy.
What is the most important thing in a friendship?
Each person may value different qualities in a friendship. Perhaps one of the most important is mutual respect.
How to identify a good friend?
After spending time with a good friend, an individual should generally feel uplifted rather than drained. They may know that they can trust and depend on their friend.
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