The Biblical Importance of Friendship (& How to Do It Right)
Friendship is a cherished bond that is a gift from God.
I just celebrated my birthday this week. I think birthdays always highlight the importance of friendships – they are a time that unfortunately highlights loneliness for many, even when they’re surrounded by people.
Fortunately, as Christians, we can learn a lot about biblical friendships so that we never feel that way (on our birthday or any other day).
The Bible, as the compass for a Christian’s life, offers invaluable wisdom on various aspects of human relationships, including friendship. So in addition to everything else it is, it’s also a guide for friendship.
If you’re looking to improve your relationships, we can glean insights and principles that illuminate the essence of true friendship, its importance, and how we can cultivate meaningful connections with others. In this blog post, we will explore what the Bible says about friendship and its lessons on being a good friend.
First of all, we need to see that friendship is a gift from God.
The Bible acknowledges the significance of friendship and emphasizes its value. Proverbs 17:17 states, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity."
True friends are not just present during joyful moments but also stand by us during challenging times. In John 15:13, Jesus declares, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends."
This exemplifies the sacrificial nature of friendship, mirroring Christ's selfless love for humanity.
Friendship is a gift that brings immense blessings into our lives.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, "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 them up!"
True friends provide companionship, support, and encouragement, enriching our journey through life. They share in our joys and sorrows, offering a shoulder to lean on and a listening ear.
So what does the Bible say about how to choose friends?
Choose Wise Friends.
The Bible underscores the importance of choosing our friends wisely. Proverbs 13:20 advises, "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm."
Our associations can shape our character and influence our decisions. Seeking companions who align with our values and share our faith can provide a supportive environment for spiritual growth.
Proverbs 27:17 beautifully captures this concept: "Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another."
Choose Faithful and Trustworthy Friends.
If you’ve ever been betrayed by what you thought was a friend (and who hasn’t??), you know exactly what this one is about.
In the book of Job, we encounter the story of Job's friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—who initially provided comfort but eventually failed to grasp the depth of his suffering. This highlights the significance of being faithful and trustworthy friends.
Proverbs 18:24 reminds us, "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." True friends stand by us in both good and bad times, offering support, understanding, and unwavering loyalty.
Now what strengthens your relationships with these types of friends?
I could go on and on and on, but I’ll just highlight two important things in this post.
Mutual Accountability and Encouragement.
The encouragement part we all know, but it is important to have accountability too. That part is hard though – how do you steer your friend away from bad choices without offending her/him? Ask God for guidance on how to approach it, because it’s an important job for you to do!
Hebrews 10:24-25 urges believers to consider how to "spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing."
This verse emphasizes the role of friends in mutual accountability and encouragement. Genuine friends lovingly challenge and inspire each other to grow spiritually, pursue righteousness, and fulfill their God-given potential.
Forgiveness and Reconciliation.
Friendship, like any relationship, may encounter conflicts and disagreements.
However, the Bible emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation.
In Matthew 18:15, Jesus provides a framework for resolving conflicts among believers, encouraging direct communication and seeking resolution. Ephesians 4:32 reminds us to "be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
Genuine friendships are characterized by a willingness to forgive, heal wounds, and restore broken relationships.
Remember that the Bible paints Jesus as the ultimate Friend.
This is something I come back to time and time again. Then again. And it always cures any loneliness or betrayal or sadness!
The Bible ultimately reveals Jesus as the epitome of friendship.
In John 15:15, Jesus says, "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."
Jesus exemplifies selflessness, compassion, and unconditional love—the foundations of genuine friendship. As we strive to model Christ's example, we deepen our understanding of true friendship.
In conclusion, friendship is a remarkable gift from God that brings immeasurable blessings into our lives. As we delve into the wisdom of the Bible, we discover the profound significance of true friendship and the principles that guide us in nurturing and cherishing these precious relationships.
God designed friendship to provide companionship, support, and encouragement along our journey through life.
It is through friends that we experience the joy of shared laughter, the comfort of a listening ear, and the strength of a helping hand. True friends reflect God's love and embody the sacrificial nature of Christ's friendship, standing by us in both good times and bad.
By choosing wise companions, aligning our friendships with godly values, and being faithful and trustworthy friends ourselves, we honor the gift that God has bestowed upon us. As we walk in the footsteps of Jesus, the ultimate friend, we learn to extend forgiveness, offer grace, and foster spiritual growth in our relationships.
Let us cherish the friendships we have been blessed with and seek to build new connections rooted in the love and grace of God. May our friendships be a reflection of His unconditional love, bringing glory to His name and enriching our lives in ways that only true companionship can.
