5 Bible Verses about Friendship

We’ve all had a real friend before, a person we trust so much, it's like we share a bond. We can even dare to be vulnerable with them. Unfortunately, the nature of man is imperfect, and sometimes, false friends deceive, hurt, or reject us. However, the Bible gives us hope. It's true that “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24). We don't need to close ourselves off and become distrustful because of our bad experiences. We have a friend in Jesus!  He loves us and wants to show us real friendship. Here are 5 passages from the Bible, a perfect friend in our times of need.

5 Bible Verses about Real Friendship

Jesus, our friend

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. 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 15:13-15)

Friendship is all about giving

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” (1 John 3:16)

Forgiveness is essential in friendship

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Colossians 3:13-14)

In friendship, others’ needs must be put first

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:3-5)

Friendship means sharing happiness

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:11)

FAQ on Friendship in the Bible

What is friendship according to God?

A passage from the Bible beautifully captures the joy of true friendship. It comes from Psalm 133:1-3:
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.”

What is an example of friendship in the Bible?

The Bible contains a moving story of friendship—that of David and Jonathan. This bond between David (a young shepherd not yet king) and Jonathan (the prince of Israel) is told in the books of Samuel. They even made a covenant of friendship:
“And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow, and his belt.” (1 Samuel 18:3-4)

What advice does the Bible give for cultivating true friendship?

The book of Proverbs is full of wisdom and advice to reflect on. It speaks about friendly behavior and warns against false friendships. Among its teachings, one proverb highlights the importance of forgiveness and patience in maintaining friendship:
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.” (Proverbs 17:9)