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Today we will talk about NIV Bible verses about friendship. Friendship is one of the greatest treasures we have in life, and it’s wonderful to see what the Bible teaches us about it. In a world where relationships can sometimes feel challenging, the word of God gives us guidance and encouragement on how to be better friends, foster deeper connections, and reflect Christ’s love in our friendships. As we read through these scriptures, let us meditate on the wisdom they hold and how we can apply these truths in our lives with our friends and community.
NIV Bible Verses About Friendship
The Importance of Friendship
In our journey through life, we recognize that no one is meant to walk alone. Friendship is a gift that adds joy, accountability, and support to our lives. The Bible emphasizes how crucial it is to maintain strong relationships with those around us. We are called not only to seek companionship but also to nurture it. In these verses, we’ll see how God values friendships and how those relationships are intended to reflect His love and presence in our lives.
Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” – Proverbs 17:17
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“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.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
John 15:15
“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 15:15
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Qualities of a True Friend
When we think about the qualities of a true friend, it often involves trust, kindness, and loyalty. The Bible encourages us to reflect on the character traits that make someone a good friend. By embodying these qualities ourselves, we enrich our friendships and uplift those around us. Each verse in this section reminds us of what it means to be a friend in the eyes of God—which cultivates a deep and meaningful bond between us. These godly traits can transform our relationships!
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
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10
James 1:19
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” – James 1:19
Proverbs 12:26
“The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” – Proverbs 12:26
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Friendship in Difficult Times
Life can be tough, and we all face challenges at different points in our journeys. During times of trouble or sorrow, it’s our friends who often stand by us and support us through the storm. The Bible gives us encouragement that friends are meant to lift each other up, providing comfort and strength when we need it most. Let’s discover how we can be there for our friends when they encounter hard times, offering the love and support that Jesus exemplified.
Job 16:20
“My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God; on behalf of a man he pleads with God as one pleads for a friend.” – Job 16:20
Proverbs 27:10
“Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family, and do not go to your brother’s house when disaster strikes you—better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.” – Proverbs 27:10
2 Corinthians 1:4
“Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble.” – 2 Corinthians 1:4
Galatians 6:1
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” – Galatians 6:1
Psalm 34:18
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
The Gift of Encouragement
Encouragement can be a powerful tool in our friendships. We all appreciate receiving kind words and supportive gestures, which can make a significant difference in our day. In the Bible, we are reminded that friendship includes lifting one another up through praise and encouragement. By investing time in encouraging our friends, we reflect God’s love and kindness. Let’s delve into these verses that inspire us to be that source of hope and strength for our companions.
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 5:14
“And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:14
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 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
Proverbs 16:24
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” – Proverbs 16:24
Friendship’s Impact on Our Lives
Our friends significantly influence our lives, guiding our choices and helping shape who we are. The Bible teaches us the importance of surrounding ourselves with friends who inspire us to grow closer to Christ and maintain our faith in challenging times. As we see in the following verses, the company we keep plays a crucial role in our spiritual journey—let’s choose wisely and encourage positive influences in our friendships!
Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” – Proverbs 13:20
Psalm 1:1-2
“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, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord.” – Psalm 1:1-2
Proverbs 22:24-25
“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered.” – Proverbs 22:24-25
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'” – 1 Corinthians 15:33
Proverbs 27:9
“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.” – Proverbs 27:9
Forgiveness in Friendship
In any relationship, there’s bound to be a time when misunderstandings or conflicts arise. The beauty of friendship is that it allows for forgiveness, healing, and growth. When we commit to being friends, we embrace one another’s flaws and mistakes. The Bible gets real about forgiveness, letting us know how essential it is if we want to keep our friendships strong. These scriptures guide us as we learn to forgive and strengthen our bonds.
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
Luke 17:3-4
“So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” – Luke 17:3-4
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
Psalm 103:12
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” – Psalm 103:12
God as Our Friend
As we explore the topic of friendship, it becomes clear that our ultimate friendship is with God Himself. The scriptures remind us that God desires a close, personal relationship with us, inviting us into His family. Understanding our position as His friends transforms the way we view our relationships with others. God’s love is the perfect model for us to follow in our friendships—let’s contemplate the depth of this divine friendship in our lives.
John 15:13
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” – John 15:13
Isaiah 41:8
“But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend.” – Isaiah 41:8
James 2:23
“And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,’ and he was called God’s friend.” – James 2:23
Psalm 25:14
“The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.” – Psalm 25:14
Exodus 33:11
“The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.” – Exodus 33:11
Celebrating Friendship
Friendship should be celebrated and cherished, as they play an important role in our lives. God has designed relationships to be a source of joy and comfort, and we can find ways to express appreciation for our friends. As we read the verses in this segment, let’s reflect on the beauty of celebrating our friendships. These scriptures remind us that we should actively invest in our friendships and express how much they mean to us.
Philippians 1:3
“I thank my God every time I remember you.” – Philippians 1:3
Psalms 138:8
“The LORD will vindicate me; your love, LORD, endures forever—do not abandon the works of your hands.” – Psalms 138:8
Proverbs 27:14
“If anyone loudly blesses their neighbor early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse.” – Proverbs 27:14
Ecclesiastes 3:12-13
“I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.” – Ecclesiastes 3:12-13
Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13
Final Thoughts
As we’ve explored the NIV Bible verses about friendship, we’ve discovered the depth, importance, and beauty of those connections. Friendship is a gift from God that allows us to share love, encouragement, and support. We learned that being a good friend means reflecting the qualities that God demonstrates in His relationship with us. The scriptures help us navigate the challenges and joys of friendship, highlighting the need for forgiveness, compassion, and celebration in our relationships.
Ultimately, we should remember that friendship starts with our relationship with God, who defines what true friendship looks like. As we choose our friends wisely and invest in those relationships, we can create a community built on love and encouragement. Let us cherish our friends and be the supportive friends we all need in our lives.
Let’s carry these lessons in our hearts and strive to cultivate friendships that glorify God and uplift one another in our journeys.
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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
