Celebrate the gift of friendship with heartfelt encouragement from 40+ Thankful For Friendship Bible Verses! These powerful scriptures remind us how deeply God values relationships and how true friendship reflects His love and grace. Whether you’re feeling grateful for a friend or seeking spiritual comfort, these verses provide strength, reassurance, and a sense of God’s presence in your bonds.
While the Bible may not always speak directly about friendship in modern terms, it overflows with timeless wisdom about loyalty, love, and support among believers. This article gathers meaningful scriptures that highlight the beauty of friendship, showing how God uses relationships to uplift and transform lives. Let these verses inspire gratitude and a deeper appreciation for the people God has placed in your life.
What Does the Bible Say About Being Thankful For Friendship?
The Bible emphasizes that friendship is a gift from God and should be cherished with gratitude. Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” This verse shows that true friends stand by us in every situation, offering constant love and support. Being thankful for such friends means recognizing their presence as God’s blessing in our lives.
Jesus also modeled the beauty of friendship when He said in John 15:15, “I have called you friends.” This shows how deeply God values relationship and connection. Jesus didn’t just teach love—He demonstrated it through friendship, making us realize how important it is to appreciate those who walk with us faithfully.
Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 reminds us, “Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” Friends help us grow, support us in trials, and keep us strong. Being thankful for friendship means valuing the people God uses to lift us up when we are weak.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Paul writes, “Encourage one another and build each other up.” A thankful heart acknowledges the friends who do just that—those who pray with us, share in our joys, and offer comfort in our sorrow. The Bible teaches us to treasure such friends and never take them for granted.
The List of 40+ Thankful For Friendship Bible Verses
1. Celebrating the Gift of Friendship
Purpose:
True friendship is a precious gift from God that brings joy, support, and spiritual connection. It reflects God’s unconditional love and helps us grow in faith together. These verses remind us how deeply the Bible values friendship and encourage us to treasure those God has placed in our lives. If you’re looking for heartfelt friendship Bible verses, this section offers wisdom and encouragement for your relationships.
📖 Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
Explanation:
This verse teaches that a true friend is loyal, not only during good times but also in hardship. When trouble strikes, a real friend steps up like family. God wants us to be that kind of friend — faithful, constant, and dependable. Friendship built on this love brings peace and strength to both hearts.
📖 John 15:13
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Explanation:
Jesus described the highest form of friendship — one that’s willing to sacrifice. This level of love goes beyond casual connection; it’s rooted in deep care and loyalty. True friends may not die for each other, but they show this spirit through selflessness and support. It reflects the love Christ shows for us.
📖 Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”
Explanation:
God designed us to walk through life together. This verse highlights the strength found in friendship — someone to lift you when you fall. Real friends don’t just stand by you; they help you rise again. Life’s journey is easier and more meaningful when shared with a faithful companion.
📖 Proverbs 27:9
“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”
Explanation:
Good friends bring comfort like a sweet fragrance. Their sincere advice uplifts your spirit and helps you make wise choices. This verse reminds us that friendship should be more than fun — it should also be filled with truth, encouragement, and love that refreshes the soul.
📖 1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Explanation:
Encouragement is at the heart of lasting friendship. God calls us to build one another up, offering hope and strength when times are hard. This verse reminds us that true friends don’t tear each other down — they speak life, push each other toward growth, and support in love.
📖 Job 2:11
“When Job’s three friends… heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out… to comfort and console him.”
Explanation:
Even though Job’s friends later failed him, this verse shows a valuable lesson — that friends show up in crisis. Being present during someone’s pain is a powerful act of love. God honors those who comfort others with genuine care and loyalty during their darkest moments.
📖 Ruth 1:16
“But Ruth replied, ‘Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay…'”
Explanation:
Ruth’s words to Naomi reveal a deep and faithful friendship. This wasn’t just about family — it was about devotion, sacrifice, and standing beside someone no matter what. True friends commit through every season, showing the kind of loyalty that mirrors God’s steadfast love.
📖 Proverbs 18:24
“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
Explanation:
This verse contrasts shallow friendships with true ones. Fake friends may fail you, but a real friend becomes even closer than family. It reminds us to seek godly friendships and to be that kind of loyal, present, and dependable person for others.
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2. Friendship Rooted in God’s Love
Purpose:
Godly friendships are more than emotional bonds — they are rooted in love, truth, and shared faith. These kinds of relationships bring spiritual growth, accountability, and mutual encouragement. These verses help us understand how God wants us to love and value our friends as reflections of His own love for us.
📖 1 John 4:7
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”
Explanation:
This verse highlights the source of true friendship — love that flows from God. When we love others sincerely, we reflect God’s nature. Real friendships grow stronger when love is at the center, and that love comes from knowing and walking with Him.
📖 Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another… Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Explanation:
No friendship is perfect. This verse reminds us to be patient and forgiving, just as God has been with us. True friends extend grace and don’t hold grudges. When forgiveness flows, relationships heal, and love grows deeper.
📖 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love is patient, love is kind… It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
Explanation:
This powerful passage shows what real love looks like — and great friendships should reflect this. Patience, kindness, and trust form the foundation of lasting bonds. These verses are a guide for nurturing healthy, God-honoring friendships that endure all seasons.
📖 Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
Explanation:
In strong friendships, we don’t compete — we lift each other up. This verse teaches us to stay committed in love and put others before ourselves. A godly friendship is humble, caring, and focused on showing respect and value to each other.
📖 Ephesians 4:2-3
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love…”
Explanation:
Friendship isn’t always easy. These verses teach us to respond with humility, gentleness, and patience. Godly friendships survive conflict and differences because they’re grounded in love and unity. With these qualities, relationships remain strong and peaceful.
📖 1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
Explanation:
No one is perfect — not even your closest friend. But when we love deeply, we overlook faults and offer grace. This verse encourages us to choose love over criticism, letting our friendships be filled with mercy and understanding.
📖 John 13:34-35
“A new command I give you: Love one another… By this everyone will know that you are my disciples…”
Explanation:
Jesus made love the mark of His followers. Friendships among believers should be so filled with love that others notice. Through kindness and loyalty, we show the world what Christian friendship looks like — strong, honest, and Christ-centered.
📖 Galatians 5:13
“…Serve one another humbly in love.”
Explanation:
Friendship isn’t just about receiving — it’s about serving. This verse reminds us to care for friends with humility and love. God values relationships where people uplift one another without pride, reflecting His heart of service.
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3. Encouragement and Support in Hard Times
Purpose:
True friends walk with us during our struggles and lift us up when we feel low. The Bible offers powerful guidance on being a source of strength and encouragement to one another, especially during life’s storms. These verses teach us how to stand beside our friends with compassion and faith.
📖 Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Explanation:
This verse calls us to walk alongside friends in their pain. Supporting someone in difficulty reflects Christ’s love. When we help others carry their troubles, we bring hope and show the kind of care Jesus models for us.
📖 Romans 15:1
“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.”
Explanation:
When a friend is struggling, we’re called to be strong for them. This verse urges us to offer patience and understanding, not judgment. Selfless love means standing firm when others feel weak and being a source of strength through our faith.
📖 Job 16:20-21
“My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God; on behalf of a man he pleads with God…”
Explanation:
In this deeply emotional verse, Job describes a friend who prays and pleads on his behalf. True friendship includes spiritual support through prayer. When you pray for your friends, you bring comfort, hope, and healing into their lives.
📖 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“…God of all comfort, who comforts us… so that we can comfort those in any trouble…”
Explanation:
God comforts us so we can do the same for others. This verse teaches that our experiences equip us to encourage friends who are hurting. When we comfort others in love, we share God’s grace and help them see they’re not alone.
📖 Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you… I will strengthen you and help you…”
Explanation:
This verse reassures us that God’s strength is always available. In times of trial, friends can remind each other of this promise. Speaking God’s truth during fear or pain helps strengthen the heart and deepen trust in Him.
📖 1 Samuel 23:16
“And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David… and helped him find strength in God.”
Explanation:
Jonathan was the kind of friend every believer needs — someone who helps you grow closer to God. This verse shows the power of faith-filled friendship. Great friends don’t just offer advice; they point you back to God’s strength.
📖 Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Explanation:
Good friends make each other better. This verse reminds us that strong relationships include honest feedback, shared wisdom, and growth. Spiritual friendships challenge, refine, and inspire us to become who God created us to be.
📖 James 5:16
“…Pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
Explanation:
Prayer builds the strongest kind of friendship. When friends pray for each other, healing happens — emotionally, physically, and spiritually. God listens to sincere prayers, and through them, friendships deepen and faith grows stronger.
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4. God’s Guidance in Building Strong Friendships
Purpose:
The Bible offers clear wisdom on how to build and maintain healthy, God-honoring friendships. Whether it’s choosing the right people to walk with or knowing how to grow together in faith, these verses offer direction for friendships that last and bless. They help us understand how to reflect God’s character in every relationship.
📖 Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
Explanation:
This verse reminds us that the people we spend time with shape our lives. God encourages us to seek wise, faithful friends who help us grow. Being around those who love Him can uplift our journey, while the wrong crowd can pull us away from our purpose.
📖 Amos 3:3
“Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?”
Explanation:
Friendship is about agreement, unity, and shared values. God wants us to build relationships with those who walk in the same spiritual direction. This verse urges us to choose friends whose hearts align with God’s truth so we can walk in peace and purpose together.
📖 Proverbs 27:6
“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
Explanation:
True friends sometimes speak difficult truths for our good. Unlike flattery that misleads, godly correction helps us grow. This verse teaches that loving friends care enough to correct us when needed, and we should receive it with trust and humility.
📖 Psalm 1:1
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked… but whose delight is in the law of the Lord.”
Explanation:
Godly friendships keep us on the right path. This verse highlights the blessing of avoiding harmful influences and choosing friends who love God’s Word. With such relationships, your spiritual life thrives and your decisions reflect His wisdom.
📖 1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'”
Explanation:
Friendship has a powerful influence. Even if you have strong morals, bad company can damage your character. This verse warns us to be careful with our relationships and seek friendships that encourage faith, honesty, and spiritual integrity.
📖 Romans 16:17
“Watch out for those who cause divisions… Keep away from them.”
Explanation:
Not all relationships are healthy. God calls us to distance ourselves from people who bring confusion or division. This verse helps us guard our hearts and protect our peace by choosing friendships that build up, not break down.
📖 Proverbs 22:24-25
“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person… or you may learn their ways.”
Explanation:
We naturally pick up the habits of our close friends. That’s why God warns against keeping close company with those ruled by anger. Peaceful, patient friends help us grow in grace, while others can pull us into harmful patterns.
📖 Philippians 2:4
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Explanation:
Friendship isn’t selfish. This verse teaches us to care about our friends’ needs just as much as our own. A strong, lasting friendship grows when both people serve and support each other with love and unselfish hearts.
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5. Examples of True Friendship in the Bible
Purpose:
Scripture is filled with powerful stories of friendships that show loyalty, love, faith, and courage. These examples teach us what it looks like to be a godly friend and inspire us to build relationships that reflect Christ’s love and commitment. These friendship Bible verses are rooted in real people who walked closely with one another and with God.
📖 1 Samuel 18:1
“Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.”
Explanation:
Jonathan and David’s friendship was one of deep loyalty and love. This verse shows how true friendship connects hearts and supports each other through life’s ups and downs. Their relationship is a model of trust and spiritual unity.
📖 Ruth 1:16
“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you… Where you go I will go…'”
Explanation:
Ruth’s dedication to Naomi is a powerful example of friendship that goes beyond obligation. Her loyalty and love were grounded in faith. Ruth teaches us that real friends stay committed, even when the journey is hard or uncertain.
📖 Job 42:10
“After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.”
Explanation:
Despite being hurt by his friends’ words earlier, Job chose to forgive and pray for them. God honored that. This verse shows the healing power of forgiveness and prayer in friendship, reminding us that mercy can restore what’s broken.
📖 Luke 5:18-19
“Some men came carrying a paralyzed man… they went up on the roof and lowered him… into the middle of the crowd.”
Explanation:
These friends went to great lengths to bring someone to Jesus. Their faith and determination show what real friendship looks like — doing whatever it takes to help your friend find healing. God honors such love and action.
📖 Exodus 33:11
“The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.”
Explanation:
This verse highlights a unique relationship between God and Moses. It reminds us that our closest and most meaningful friendship should be with God. When we walk with Him closely, we learn how to be better friends to others too.
📖 Acts 10:24
“…Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends.”
Explanation:
Cornelius valued the people in his life enough to invite them into a spiritual moment. This shows us that friendship includes sharing faith and welcoming others into God’s presence. It’s about growing together in the Lord.
📖 Philippians 2:25
“But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus… my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier…”
Explanation:
Paul’s friendship with Epaphroditus was rooted in shared mission and loyalty. This verse teaches us that friendship can be built on mutual purpose in God’s work. Friends who serve together grow stronger in love and faith.
📖 John 11:35-36
“Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, ‘See how he loved him!'”
Explanation:
When Jesus saw the pain of losing Lazarus, He wept. This short verse shows the depth of His love for His friend. It reminds us that showing emotion, care, and compassion is part of being a true friend — even for the Son of God.
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6. Trusting God Together in Friendship
Purpose:
Friendship becomes even more meaningful when it’s grounded in faith. Trusting God together strengthens bonds, encourages growth, and builds lasting relationships. These verses remind us that true friends help one another rely on God during both good and difficult times.
📖 Proverbs 27:9
“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”
Explanation:
A godly friend brings joy and wisdom, much like sweet fragrance that uplifts the soul. When friends give advice rooted in God’s word, their guidance becomes a blessing. This verse shows that friendship thrives when it’s built on genuine care and spiritual truth.
📖 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.”
Explanation:
God designed us to walk through life together. This verse encourages friendship as a way to support each other through life’s challenges. Spirit-filled friends don’t let one another fall; they lift, encourage, and bring each other back to trust in God.
📖 Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
Explanation:
This verse teaches the selfless nature of friendship rooted in faith. Honoring each other means valuing the other’s needs, showing kindness, and walking humbly together. God calls us to love our friends with deep devotion, which reflects His heart.
📖 Psalm 133:1
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
Explanation:
True friendship flourishes in unity. God blesses those who live in harmony, especially when that unity reflects His love. This verse is a reminder that peace among friends glorifies God and invites His presence.
📖 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…”
Explanation:
God wants friends to motivate one another to grow spiritually. This verse highlights the importance of gathering, encouraging, and building each other up in faith. Faithful friendships help us stay on track and fulfill our God-given purposes.
📖 Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
Explanation:
Choosing the right friends shapes your life. Walking with wise, God-fearing people leads to growth and understanding. This verse warns us that friendships influence our path, so we must choose those who lead us toward God.
📖 Job 2:11
“When Job’s three friends heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him.”
Explanation:
True friends don’t run from pain; they show up. Job’s friends sought to comfort him in his suffering. Although they later failed in their advice, their initial action shows the power of presence and empathy in godly friendships.
📖 Luke 5:18-20
“Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat… When Jesus saw their faith, he said, ‘Friend, your sins are forgiven.’”
Explanation:
These friends believed Jesus could heal and carried their friend in faith. Their trust in God not only brought physical healing but spiritual restoration. It’s a powerful picture of friends who lead each other closer to Christ.
Conclusion
Friendship is one of God’s most beautiful gifts, offering love, support, and encouragement throughout life’s journey. The verses in 40+ Thankful For Friendship Bible Verses remind us of the sacred value of faithful companionship. When friendships are built on trust, kindness, and God’s word, they grow stronger and more meaningful with time.
These Bible verses highlight the importance of loyalty, forgiveness, love, and unity among friends. Whether you’re facing trials or celebrating blessings, godly friendships help keep your heart anchored in faith. They not only enrich our lives but also reflect God’s own love for us through others.
FAQ’s
What does the Bible say about true friendship?
The Bible teaches that true friendship is based on love, loyalty, and faithfulness. Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times,” showing how godly friends remain by our side in every season.
How can I show gratitude for my friends according to the Bible?
You can show gratitude through kind words, prayers, and loving actions. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 encourages us to “encourage one another and build each other up,” which reflects thankfulness in a biblical way.
Are there examples of strong friendships in the Bible?
Yes, the friendship between David and Jonathan is a powerful example. Their relationship was marked by loyalty, selflessness, and a deep commitment to each other, even during hard times.
How do I build a godly friendship?
Start by being honest, loving, and supportive. Surround yourself with people who follow Christ and help each other grow spiritually, just as Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Can friends help strengthen my faith?
Absolutely. Friends can encourage you during spiritual struggles and help you stay close to God. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds,” showing the faith-building power of friendship.
Want to discover more Bible-based insights? Check out our collection of verses at BibleMiracle.com
