30 Powerful bible verses about making friends (Full Commentary)

Pastor David

bible study for you

Today we will talk about bible verses about making friends. Many Christians do not realize how important our friendships can be in our walk with God. Making friends is not just about having fun or sharing moments; it’s about building supportive connections that enrich our spiritual lives. The Bible has a lot to say about friendships, encouraging us to choose our companions wisely, foster meaningful relationships, and understand the power of fellowship in our community. As we journey through these verses, let’s meditate on how we can be better friends and how we can invite others into our lives in a loving, Christ-centered manner. Together, we will explore the scriptural wisdom surrounding the theme of friendship.

Bible Verses About Making Friends

The Importance of Friendship

In our lives, friendship is a vital part of our spiritual growth. The importance of friendship in our Christian walk can’t be overstated. We need friends to share our joys and struggles, and to hold us accountable as we strive to grow in faith. The Bible teaches us that two are better than one because they can help each other. These friendships provide emotional support and are also avenues for encouragement and prayer. The key is to find friends who uplift us in our walk with God, reminding us of His promises and grace.

Proverbs 27:17

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17

Ecclesiastes 4:9

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9

Proverbs 18:24

“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” – Proverbs 18:24

John 15:13

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” – John 15:13

Galatians 6:2

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2

Choosing the Right Friends

In selecting our friends, the Bible guides us in understanding the significance of surrounding ourselves with individuals who reflect God’s love and teachings. Our friendships should encourage us towards righteousness, lifting us higher rather than dragging us down. We must choose wisely because our friends can profoundly influence our behavior and beliefs. God’s Word reminds us to seek out those who are devoted to Him, as their shared values will lead us to grow closer to God together.

1 Corinthians 15:33

“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'” – 1 Corinthians 15:33

Proverbs 13:20

“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” – Proverbs 13:20

James 4:4

“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” – James 4:4

Psalm 1:1

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.” – Psalm 1:1

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?” – 2 Corinthians 6:14

The Power of Encouragement

We all know moments when we feel low or unsure. That’s where the incredible power of encouragement from friends comes into play. The Bible encourages us to uplift and strengthen one another with our words and actions. A kind word or a listening ear can uplift someone going through a rough patch. As followers of Christ, we have a call to be each other’s cheerleaders—encouraging faith, hope, and love in our daily interactions.

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—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:24-25

1 Thessalonians 5:11

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Proverbs 16:24

“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” – Proverbs 16:24

Colossians 3:16

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly, as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” – Colossians 3:16

Romans 15:2

“Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.” – Romans 15:2

The Gift of Availability

Being available for our friends is an amazing gift we can impart in our friendships. Making time for one another shows the kind of love that God demonstrates to us. In our busy lives, we sometimes forget to check in on our friends or offer that listening ear. The Bible encourages us to bear one another’s burdens, and this often requires simply being there when it counts. When we prioritize our friendships, we reflect God’s love as we share in their sorrows and joys.

Galatians 6:2

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2

Romans 12:15

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” – Romans 12:15

Philippians 2:4

“Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” – Philippians 2:4

1 Peter 4:10

“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 4:10

Proverbs 17:17

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” – Proverbs 17:17

Forging Strong Connections

Strong connections in friendships develop steadily over time as we invest in one another. Jesus modeled deep relationships with His disciples, showing us that spending quality time together nurtures a bond that is impactful. In this age of instant communication, it’s crucial for us to emphasize the depth of our relationships with friends through sharing, discussing, and doing life together. The Bible encourages us to cultivate relationships with sincerity, honesty, and an open heart to forge lasting friendships.

Romans 12:10

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10

Philippians 1:3

“I thank my God every time I remember you.” – Philippians 1:3

Colossians 3:14

“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:14

1 Thessalonians 2:8

“We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:8

Ecclesiastes 4:12

“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” – Ecclesiastes 4:12

The Beauty of Forgiveness

No friendship is perfect, and sometimes we may hurt each other unintentionally. One beautiful aspect of Christian friendships is our ability to extend grace and forgiveness. The Bible teaches us that we should forgive others just as Christ forgave us. By nurturing forgiving hearts, we allow our friendships to flourish and restore the joy of connection. This helps us keep our relationships rooted in love and drawn nearer to God’s heart.

Ephesians 4:32

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32

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.” – Colossians 3:13

Matthew 6:14-15

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” – Matthew 6:14-15

1 John 1:9

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9

Proverbs 19:11

“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” – Proverbs 19:11

Practicing Integrity

Having strong friendships is also about being trustworthy and acting with integrity. We are called not just to be friends in good times, but also to be there for one another through challenges. This means being honest and holding to our commitments. Friends who walk in integrity uplift one another, and the Bible encourages us to be such steadfast companions who embody Christ’s love in every interaction.

Proverbs 20:6

“Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?” – Proverbs 20:6

Proverbs 12:22

“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” – Proverbs 12:22

Luke 16:10

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” – Luke 16:10

Psalm 25:21

“May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in you.” – Psalm 25:21

Matthew 5:37

“All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” – Matthew 5:37

The Joy of Friendship

Friendship is meant to be a source of joy and laughter! God has designed relationship experiences to be filled with uplifting moments that reflect His goodness. When we invest in our friendships, we nurture joy and share happiness in each other’s lives. The Bible encourages us to rejoice together, to celebrate life, and to enjoy the community that God has blessed us with. Let’s embrace these joyful connections!

Proverbs 17:22

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” – Proverbs 17:22

John 15:11

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

Isaiah 61:3

“…To provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” – Isaiah 61:3

Philippians 4:4

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” – Philippians 4:4

Psalm 126:3

“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” – Psalm 126:3

Final Thoughts

Friendship is a precious gift that enriches our lives and grows our faith. Through the verses we explored, it becomes evident that God encourages us to seek friendships rooted in love, faith, and integrity. By choosing our friends wisely, fostering strong connections, and being available for each other, we reflect Christ’s love in our everyday interactions. Remember to practice forgiveness and to share joy, as these elements strengthen our bonds. As we journey through life, let’s embrace God’s call to build friendships that honor Him, uplift us, and bring joy to our hearts.

Further Reading

30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)

30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)

30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)

30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)

4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4

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