Love and Friendship
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Proverbs 18:24
“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help
John 15:13
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Proverbs 27:6
“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Colossians 3:12-14
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience… And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
1 Peter 4:8-10
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
The Essence of a Good Friend
My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God; on behalf of a man he pleads with God as one pleads for a friend.
Proverbs 16:28
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
Ephesians 4:2-3
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Proverbs 22:24-25
“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.”
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another…”
Job 6:14
“Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.”
James 4:11
“Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it.”
Romans 15:14
“I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another.”
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
1 John 4:7
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”
Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.
Scriptures on Having Good Relationship with Others
Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.
Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Proverbs 27:9
“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'”
Luke 6:31
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
1 John 3:18
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
2 Corinthians 6:14
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”
Philippians 2:4
“Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Romans 12:15
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
James 1:19
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.”
Friendship Bible Verses with Reflection
A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.
Romans 16:3-4
“Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.”
This verse serves as a testament to the lengths true friends are willing to go to support each other, showing the depth of friendship as a bond.
Psalm 119:63
“I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts.”
This verse highlights the notion that shared faith can be a solid foundation for friendships, uniting those who hold similar spiritual beliefs and principles.
3 John 1:14
“I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.”
This verse signifies the value of personal connection and communication in friendship, an essential element in maintaining strong bonds.
Proverbs 12:26
“The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.”
This verse underscores the importance of discernment in choosing friends, warning that the lack of such wisdom can lead one astray.
Philippians 1:3-5
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”
This scripture shows the depth of appreciation and gratitude that should exist within a godly friendship.
Ecclesiastes 4:12
“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
This verse emphasizes the strength that comes from unity in friendship, illustrating the protection that friendship can offer.
Matthew 5:23-24
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”
This verse places a strong emphasis on reconciliation, underlining the importance of resolving issues within friendships and promoting peace.
1 Peter 3:8
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”
This scripture encourages shared understanding, sympathy, love, compassion, and humility in friendships, promoting the development of wholesome relationships.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
This passage enumerates the virtues that the Holy Spirit brings forth in believers, qualities that should be mirrored in our friendships.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
This final verse rounds off with a powerful message about kindness, compassion, and forgiveness in friendships, urging us to emulate God’s forgiveness in our interpersonal relationships.
The Bible’s teachings on friendship are profound, practical, and timeless. These 40+ verses offer guidance for establishing and nurturing friendships that reflect love, honesty, kindness, and mutual support. Through them, we learn that true friendship isn’t merely about companionship but also about shared growth, encouragement, and understanding. These scriptures remind us that friendships founded on God’s principles are strong, uplifting, and rewarding, providing us with a firm foundation for building meaningful and lasting relationships.