10 Bible Verses That Define Friendship in the Body of Christ
Relationships matter to God. When asked what the greatest commandment was, Jesus responded by telling them to love God and to love one another. In fact, six of the Ten Commandments are actually relational in nature and they concern how we treat one another (stealing, lying, committing adultery, etc.). We serve a relational God, and He designed us to be relational as well. We need each other in this life. And for this reason, friendship matters to God… especially when it comes to our relationships with each other as His children.
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So if you are in need of some encouragement when it comes to your friendships and relationships, here are 10 Bible verses that describe godly friendships in action:
- So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. – Colossians 3:12-14
- Better is open rebuke than love that is concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy. – Proverbs 27:5-6
- Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart. – Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
- “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” – John 15:12-13
- Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. – Proverbs 27:17
- Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. – Ephesians 4:1-3
- Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. – Philippians 2:3-4
- Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty. – Job 6:14 (NIV)
- And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. – Hebrews 10:24-25
- 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. – 1 Peter 4:8-10 (NIV)
Friendship was designed by God. He destined us to be relational beings who would love and rely on each other in this life.
Join us in the month of May as we study biblical love and friendship! Click on the graphic below (or HERE) to join our weekly newsletter and download this month’s Bible reading plan!
*Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.
**Photo by Ben White at ChristianPics.co
