Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ImportanceFriendship is a significant theme in the Bible, reflecting the relational nature of God and His desire for humans to live in community. Being a friend involves loyalty, support, love, and mutual respect. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings on the qualities and responsibilities of friendship, emphasizing its importance in the life of believers.
Biblical Examples of Friendship1.
David and Jonathan: One of the most notable friendships in the Bible is between David and Jonathan. Their relationship is marked by deep loyalty and love. 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). This friendship exemplifies selflessness and commitment.
2.
Ruth and Naomi: The bond between Ruth and her mother-in-law Naomi is another profound example of friendship. Ruth's loyalty is evident when she refuses to leave Naomi, saying, "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). Ruth's dedication highlights the sacrificial nature of true friendship.
3.
Jesus and His Disciples: Jesus exemplified perfect friendship with His disciples. He called them friends, saying, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends" (
John 15:13). Jesus' relationship with His disciples was characterized by teaching, guidance, and ultimately, the ultimate sacrifice of His life.
Qualities of a True Friend1.
Loyalty: A true friend remains steadfast in times of trouble.
Proverbs 17:17 states, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity" . Loyalty is a hallmark of genuine friendship, providing support and encouragement.
2.
Honesty: Friends are called to speak truthfully to one another.
Proverbs 27:6 notes, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful" . Honest counsel, even when difficult, is a sign of true friendship.
3.
Encouragement: Friends uplift and encourage each other.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 urges believers to "encourage one another and build each other up" . Encouragement strengthens bonds and fosters spiritual growth.
4.
Sacrifice: True friendship often involves putting the needs of others before one's own. As demonstrated by Jesus, sacrificial love is the highest form of friendship.
Warnings and ChallengesThe Bible also warns against false friendships.
Proverbs 18:24 cautions, "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother" . Superficial relationships can lead to disappointment, while true friends are rare and invaluable.
Additionally, friendships with those who lead one away from God are discouraged.
1 Corinthians 15:33 warns, "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good character'" . Believers are encouraged to choose friends who will support their faith and values.
ConclusionThe Bible presents friendship as a vital aspect of human relationships, reflecting God's love and community. Through examples and teachings, Scripture provides guidance on cultivating and maintaining friendships that honor God and enrich the lives of believers.
Topical Bible Verses
Proverbs 27:10Your own friend, and your father's friend, forsake not; neither go into your brother's house in the day of your calamity: for better is a neighbor that is near than a brother far off.
Topicalbible.orgProverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Topicalbible.org
Proverbs 18:24
A man that has friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.
Topicalbible.org
Greek
5363. philanthropia -- love for mankind, kindness... a "
friend (benefactor) of humanity"; a person who warmly loves others, treating
them with the respect (benevolence) that befits each one
being created in the
...444. anthropos -- a man, human, mankind
... anyone (1), child (1), enemy* (1), everyone* (1), fellow (1),friend (1), human... the
countenance; from optanomai); man-faced, ie A humanbeing -- certain, man....
335. anaideia -- shamelessness
... ie accuse them ofbeing extreme or excessive). Lk 11:8: "I tell you, if even he
will not get up and give him anything because he is hisfriend, yet because of...
5368. phileo -- to love
... From philos; to be afriend to (fond of (an individual or an object)), ie... ethelo
and boulomai, or as thumos and nous respectively; the formerbeing chiefly of...
Strong's Hebrew
441. alluwph -- tame... Or (shortened) talluph {al-loof'}; from 'alph; familiar; a
friend, also gentle;
hence, a bullock (as
being tame; applied, although masculine, to a cow); and so
...7965. shalom -- completeness, soundness, welfare, peace
... peace NASB Word Usage close (2), ease (1), favorable (1),friend* (1), friendly
terms... 1), state (1), trusted (1), welfare (14), well (17), well-being (5), who...
Library
HisFriend Being Snatched Away by Death, He Imagines that He...
... Book IV. Chapter VI."HisFriend Being Snatched Away by Death, He Imagines that
He Remains Only as Half. 11. But why do I speak of these things?...
The Conversation with AlypiusBeing Ended, He Retires to the...
... Book VIII. Chapter VIII."The Conversation with AlypiusBeing Ended, He
Retires to the Garden, Whither HisFriend Follows Him. 19....
That the Love of a HumanBeing, However Constant in Loving and...
... Book IV. Chapter IX."That the Love of a HumanBeing, However Constant in Loving
and Returning Love, Perishes; While He Who Loves God Never Loses aFriend....
Friendship.
... Afriend thus becomes not only a completion of one's soul as he is by virtue of
being afriend, but also he becomes a completion of one's life....
The Humanheartedness of Jesus.
... beauty. That which alone makes one a Christian isbeing afriend of Jesus.
Friendship transforms"all human friendship transforms....
But You Will Say, the Good Will of aFriend Towards Me, Although I...
... will of afriend towards me, although I cannot see it, yet can I trace it out by
many proofs; but you, what things you will us to believe notbeing seen, you...
But You Say, that You Therefore Believe YourFriend, Whose Heart...
... And yet it is true that afriend may be had also in prosperity, but proved... For who
will be loved by any with mutual affection, (being that the loving itself is...
Fresh Supplies of Power.
... Abraham had the reputation ofbeing afriend of God. He even trusted his darling
boy's life to God when he could not understand what God was doing....
TheFriend of Sinners
... TheFriend of Sinners.... an aim so splendid as the glorification of God, unless there
be sinners to be the instruments of God's glory throughbeing the partakers...
The Poor Man'sFriend
... GOD IS THE POOR MAN'SFRIEND; the poor man, in His helplessness and despair, leaves...
is said that, when Erskine was pleading for a Man who wasbeing tried for...
Resources
What does the Bible say about being nosey? | GotQuestions.orgIs being gay a sin? Is it a sin to be gay? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the implications of God being infinite, unlimited, and unmeasurable? | GotQuestions.orgBeing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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