In a world full of negativity a true friend is a joy. Am I right?

There are dozens of lovely quotes about friendship (I have several toward the end of this post so go ahead and scroll!) and I appreciate them because friendship is one of those things I sometimes take for granted.

I didn’t realize exactly how much I value the women who stuck through all my ups and downs with me until recently when I had a falling out with one. I nearly messed things up.

It was that experience that prompted me to write this post. I hope it inspires you to look at the people in your life who are always on your side and send them a note telling them how much you appreciate them.

Or perhaps this will encourage you to be a better friend, to seek out those healthy relationships that help us grow and make this world seem a little less cold and lonely.

Christian Friendships

Let’s talk about Christian friendships. What do they look like? How can I be a good Christian friend? What is God’s expectation for friendship?

Christian friendships are just like any other relationship. They involve two imperfect people being brought together. The only difference is that we Christians should try to keep our actions and speech in alignment with God’s word.

This is a big difference. Let me explain.

The word of God changes our hearts. It changes how we think, talk, and how we treat others. If we are arrogant, God will humble us. If we are rude, God will remind us of the sin of the tongue. Hopefully, we are growing and maturing in Christ to the point that HIS love is motivating us.

If we do not have this foundation, we are ruled by social standards, our own emotions, and outside influences.

A good friend points you to Christ. They will encourage you to grow spiritually supporting you with prayer. They will not judge your mistakes but gently guide you back to the straight and narrow.

That being said, we are living in a sinful world and perfection is not available to us mortal creatures. You will mess up. Your friend will mess up.

Forgiveness is key. God knows we are imperfect and requires us to listen to and forgive each other.

And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses. (Mark 11:25-26)

For more on forgiveness, check out these posts.

Parables and Stories of Forgiveness in the Bible

Why is Forgiveness Important? Lessons from the Unforgiving Servant

What does a godly friendship look like?

So what does a godly friendship look like? Let’s look to scripture.

Friends improve each other. We keep each other on the straight and narrow. We should be humble enough to accept the criticism of those closest to us. It is ok if they call us out on something. We are not perfect and often don’t see our own faults.

This doesn’t mean you accept their opinions immediately, after all, they are also not perfect. Be humble enough to listen and pray about what they are telling you.

As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. (Proverbs 27:17)

Friends encourage each other in good works. We help each other succeed, support through the bad times, and rejoice in the good times.

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-5)

What does a healthy friendship look like?

True friendship contains a love that is not selfish. As flawed humans, we often give love in the hopes of receiving it. Christ taught us about a different kind of love.

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. (John 15:13)

Paul gives us even more details on this selfless love.

 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

Recognizing an unhealthy friendship is important also. If your person is encouraging you to go against scripture, it is important that you pray about it and sometimes it is necessary to let that friendship die.

Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”  (1 Corinthians 15:33)

Bible Verses About Friendship

Here are a few Bible verses about friendship.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Hebrews 4:9-12

Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)

Luke 6:31

 And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. (Luke 6:31)

Proverbs 27:9

Ointment and perfume delight the heart,
And the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel. (Proverbs 27:9)

1 Peter 4:8-11

And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.  As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.  (1 Peter 4:8-11)

1 John 4:7

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. (1 John 4:7)

Romans 12:10

 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;  (Romans 12:10)

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Friendship Quotes

I promised you friendship quotes 🙂

“When friendships are real, they are not glass threads or frost work, but the solidest things we can know.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

“A friend is someone with whom you dare to be yourself.” -Frank Crane

“Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art…. It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things which give value to survival.” – C.S. Lewis

“Tis a great confidence in a friend to tell him your faults; greater to tell him his.” – Benjamin Franklin

“I cannot even imagine where I would be today were it not for that handful of friends who have given me a heart full of joy. Let’s face it, friends make life a lot more fun.” – Charles Swindoll

“A true friend accepts who you are, but also helps you become who you should be.” – Unkown

“A friend is one who overlooks your broken fence and admires the flowers in your garden.” – Unknown

“Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

“Good friends are like stars. You don’t always see them, but you know they’re always there.” -Unkown

What are your thoughts about friendship? What would you add to this content? Write your thoughts in the comments below!

Before you go check out these posts!

20 Beautiful Bible Verses About Identity in Christ

Powerful Bible Verses for Sons: Praying Scripture Over Sons