20 Thankful For Friendship Bible Verses: Exploring Proverbs And Greater Love
The Bible, a collection of religious scriptures and texts considered sacred in a variety of religions, contains numerous passages that can provide wisdom on many subjects. One theme that often arises in the Bible is friendship, with a number of verses providing perspective on what friendship is, what it means to be a good friend, and how to show thanks for the friendships in one’s life. While biblical wisdom is often helpful in nurturing friendships, a licensed mental health professional can provide additional insight and guidance for those who have encountered challenges.
What is friendship?
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), friendship can be defined as a voluntary and potentially long-lasting relationship between two individuals. In many cases, friendships involve meeting one another's needs and sharing interests. While each friendship is unique, these relationships often develop due to shared experiences resulting in mutual gratification.
What does God say about friendship?
While the word “God” may refer to different entities depending on what religion is being referenced, religions that use the Bible as a sacred text may find a variety of passages and verses that pertain to friendship. It can be important to note that these passages and verses can vary depending on which version of the Bible is being read. Several examples of verses that could refer to friendship include John 15:13, Proverbs 17:17, and Colossians 3:13.
John 15:13
According to the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible, John 15:13 states that “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” In the Bible, this verse takes place on the night before Jesus Christ’s death, when he is talking to his disciples. Jesus prefaces this statement by telling his disciples to “love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12).
What can we learn from this Bible quote about greater love and friendship?
While the Bible may be open to interpretation, this verse could show individuals that loving one another and being selfless in relationships can be rewarding. While Jesus may have given his life in the Bible, this verse could also be interpreted figuratively. By making sacrifices for others, you could strengthen your friendships and improve the quality of your bonds with others.
Proverbs 17:17
The New International Version of the Bible lists Proverbs 17:17 as “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” This verse is part of a larger passage where Solomon makes observations on a variety of subjects, including speech, strife, foolhardiness, finances, and the nature of true friendship. In this specific verse, Solomon may be referring to the difference between a friend and a brother, or that friends may develop into brothers over time.
What can we learn from Proverbs 17:17?
Solomon may be highlighting the value that a true friendship can have and the benefits of brotherhood. A true friend may provide a consistent sense of love throughout one’s life, while brothers (which may be family members or dear friends) can assist someone when they are struggling. Overall, these friends and brothers can provide support, even when a person is experiencing significant life difficulties.
Colossians 3:13
The NIV Bible lists Colossians 3:13 as “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” This verse is part of a section involving Paul, who is discussing the role that honesty can play in faith and relationships. Paul is specifically talking about the bonds between believers, and how honesty, kindness, and grace can be vital in developing a sense of community.
How can “Forgive as the Lord forgave you” apply to friendship?
While Paul may be discussing conduct amongst believers, this verse could also apply to relationships or friendships in general. Forgiveness can be a key aspect of healthy relationships. While it can be important to set boundaries and not allow unreliable friends to exist in your life, forgiving someone for a mistake and giving them the grace to rectify the situation can be valuable.
Other Bible verses about friendships
While these three verses may provide biblical insight about friendship, the Bible contains a variety of sections that could also pertain to these relationships:
- “Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.” - Proverbs 27:9
- “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” - Ecclesiastes 4:9
- “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” - Thessalonians 5:11
- “After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.” - Job 42:10
- “Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.” - Job 6:14
- “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” - Proverbs 18:24
- “Some friends play at friendship but a true friend sticks closer than one’s nearest kin.” - Proverbs 18:24
- “Do not be deceived: Bad company ruins good morals.” - 1 Corinthians 15:33
- “The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” - Proverbs 12:26
- “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.” - Proverbs 13:20
- “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” - Psalms 133:1
- “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” - Proverbs 27:6
- “As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.” - 2 Corinthians 6:1
- “For it is not an enemy who taunts me—then I could bear it; it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me—then I could hide from him. But it is you, a man, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend. We used to take sweet counsel together; within God’s house we walked in the throng.” - Psalm 55:12-14
- “No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called your friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” - John 15:15
- “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.” - Proverbs 16:28
- “Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare. Be not one of those who give pledges, who put up security for debts. If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you?” - Proverbs 22:24-27
Other ways to improve relationships
While one may gain wisdom from the Bible, there can be other ways to improve friendships and other relationships in our lives. For example, communication can be a key component of healthy relationships. The following tips may prove helpful for communication between friends:
- Think about what you intend to say before starting a conversation.
- Ensure that you clearly communicate what you intend to say.
- Make sure the area is free from distractions before starting a conversation.
- Use “I” statements when discussing your wants and needs.
- Be aware of body language and tone when talking.
- Actively listen when your friend is talking.
- Don’t only share negative thoughts and feelings. Let your friend know how much you appreciate them as well.
In some cases, improving communication may not be enough to address friendship-related struggles. In these situations, it may be necessary to seek assistance from a mental help professional.
Which therapeutic approaches can help with friendship?
A variety of therapeutic approaches may help individuals repair a relationship or address personal challenges that impact their friendships. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may enable them to determine whether personal struggles are interfering with their friendships, while friendship therapy could help with specific challenges that friends are experiencing.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
According to the APA, CBT is a form of therapy that can help people with a variety of challenges, including anxiety disorders, depression, substance misuse, eating disorders, and relationships. A CBT provider may teach an individual how to address thought and behavioral patterns that could be impeding their ability to form or maintain friendships. Over time, these professionals may also teach individuals strategies to restructure these patterns for more favorable outcomes.
Friendship therapy
Friendship therapy may borrow several techniques from marriage and couples counseling in order to address the specific struggles that can occur between friends. While these techniques can vary, examples include improving communication, helping individuals get more comfortable expressing their emotions, and sharing ways to improve boundaries. These techniques may empower individuals to overcome obstacles and sustain longer-lasting friendships.
While these forms of therapy can be beneficial, in-person forms of therapy may not always be accessible, available, or convenient. In some cases, individuals may live in separate areas, making in-person friendship therapy difficult or impossible. In these situations, it may be beneficial to try online therapy.
Research suggests that online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy, with a 2022 study showing no significant differences between therapy delivered online and face-to-face.
Takeaway
The Bible contains numerous verses that can shed light on friendship and how we should treat our loved ones. Examples of these passages include John 15:13, Proverbs 17:17, and Colossians 3:13. Beyond the teachings of God, there may be other ways to improve friendships and relationships, such as improving communication or attending therapy to address underlying challenges. You can connect with a suitable mental health professional in your local area or online.
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