25 Inspiring Bible Verses About Love And Friendship

Friendship is one of the most important things in life. It’s what helps us through tough times and makes our good times even better. The Bible has a lot to say about friendship, and today we’re going to look at 25 verses that show just how important friendship is. God didn’t create us to be alone, and He wants us to have friends who will help us grow in our faith. So thank you, Lord, for the gift of friendship!

Here are 25 inspiring Bible verses about love and friendship.

1. Proverbs 18:24

“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (ESV)

This proverb tells us that it is better to have a few close friends than to have many acquaintances. This is because close friends are more likely to be there for you in difficult times, while acquaintances are more likely to disappear.

2. John 15:13

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (ESV)

This verse tells us that the greatest act of love is to lay down one’s life for another. This is what Jesus did for us, and it is an example of the kind of love that we should have for our closest friends and loved ones.

3. Proverbs 27:17

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (NIV)

This proverb tells us that we can learn from and grow in our relationships with other people. As we interact with others, we can help each other to become better people.

4. Proverbs 17:17

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” (NIV)

This proverb tells us that a true friend will always be there for us, even in the tough times. They will be like a brother to us, and we can rely on them in times of need.

5. Ecclestiastes 4:9-12

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (ESV)

These verses tell us that it is better to have someone to help us because they can provide support and encouragement. Additionally, two people can achieve more than one person working alone. This is why it is good to have at least one close friend because they can help us in many ways.

6. 1 Corinthians 15:33

“Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.” (NLT)

This verse tells us that we should be careful about the company we keep because they can influence us in a negative way. We should choose our friends wisely, and surround ourselves with people who will help us to grow in our faith and become better people.

7. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” (ESV)

This verse tells us that we should encourage and support our friends. We should build them up, and help them to become the best they can be. Friendship is a two-way street, and we should both give and receive support to have a healthy relationship.

8. Proverbs 27:9

“The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.” (NLT)

This proverb tells us that a true friend is someone who we can go to for advice and wisdom. They will make us feel better by just being with us, and their counsel will be a sweet gift.

9. Proverbs 27:5-6

“An open rebuke is better than hidden love! Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.” (NLT)

This passage tells us that it is better to receive criticism from a friend than false praise from an enemy. Friends will tell us the truth, even if it hurts, because they want us to grow and improve. Enemies, on the other hand, will only say things that make us feel good, even if they’re not true. This can lead us astray from God’s path.

10. Job 6:14

“He who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.” (ESV)

This verse tells us that if we withhold kindness from a friend, we are really forsaking God. We should show kindness to our friends, even when they don’t deserve it, because that is what God does for us. He is always kind and merciful, even when we don’t deserve it.

11. Proverbs 13:20

“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” (ESV)

This proverb teaches us that we should choose our friends wisely because they can influence us. If we associate with wise people, we will become wise ourselves. But if we spend time with fools, we will suffer because of it.

12. Proverbs 16:28

“A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.” (ESV)

This verse tells us that we should be careful about the things we say because they can cause division between friends. Gossip and rumors can destroy relationships, so it is important to be honest and truthful with our words.

13. Hebrews 10:24-25

“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (NIV)

This verse tells us that we should encourage each other to do good things and to love one another. We should not neglect our friendships but instead, make an effort to stay connected with our friends. As the Day of Judgment draws near, we need to be there for each other more than ever.

14. 1 Peter 4:8-10

“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:” (ESV)

This passage tells us that we should love each other earnestly, and show hospitality without complaining. We should use the gifts God has given us to serve our friends. When we do these things, we are being good stewards of the grace that God has shown us.

15. Proverbs 22:24-25

“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways
and get yourself ensnared.” (NIV)

This proverb teaches us to be careful about the friends we make. We should not associate with people who are angry or violent, because we might learn their ways and get caught up in their problems. It is better to have peaceful and loving relationships.

16. 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.” (NIV)

This verse tells us that we should love one another because love comes from God. God is love, and when we love others, we are reflecting His character. We should also remember that whoever loves, has been created by God and has a relationship with Him.

17. Proverbs 17:9

“Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.” (NLT)

Proverbs 17:9 tells us that we should be quick to forgive and forget when someone wrongs us. Holding onto a grudge will only serve to drive a wedge between friends. It is better to let go of the hurt and move on. However, when someone repeatedly hurts us, it may be time to end the friendship.

18. Proverbs 12:26

“One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” (ESV)

This proverb tells us that we should be careful about the influence we have on our friends. We should lead them on the right path, and not lead them into temptation or sin. We should be good examples to our friends so that they can see the benefits of living a righteous life.

19. Luke 6:31

“And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” (ESV)

This verse teaches us to treat others the way we want to be treated. If we want to be treated with love and respect, we should show love and respect to our friends. This is a simple way to show Christ’s love to others.

20. Proverbs 27:19

“As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person.” (NLT)

This proverb tells us that our hearts reflect who we really are. If our hearts are full of love, then we will be loving people. If our hearts are full of hate, then we will be hateful people. We need to guard our hearts carefully because they reveal what is truly in our souls.

21. Romans 1:12

“That is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.” (ESV)

This verse tells us that we should encourage each other in our faith. We should build each other up and help each other grow in our relationship with God. This is how we can best serve Him and glorify His name.

22. Proverbs 20:6

“Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable?” (NLT)

This proverb tells us that many people say they are loving, but few people actually are. It is important to be careful about who we trust and confide in. We should look for people who are truly faithful and will stick by us through thick and thin. These are the kind of friends we can rely on.

23. John 15:12-14

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.” (ESV)

Christ tells us to love one another as He has loved us. This is the greatest commandment. Christ sacrificed His life for us, and we are called to love one another in the same way. This means putting others before ourselves, even if it means making sacrifices. When we do this, we are following Christ’s example and showing His love to the world.

24. Psalm 41:9

“Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.” (NIV)

This passage speaks of the betrayal of a close friend. This person was someone who was trusted, and yet they still turned against the speaker. This can be a difficult thing to deal with, but it is important to remember that even when people betray us, God is still faithful. He will never leave us or forsake us.

25. Proverbs 22:11

“One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend.” (NIV)

This proverb tells us that when we love God with all our hearts and speak His truth, we will find favor with the King. This is an encouragement to stay pure in our hearts and minds and to always speak the truth in love. When we do this, we can be confident that God is on our side and that He will bless us.

Conclusion

As we can see, there are many biblical teachings on friendship. These verses show us that friends should be loving, faithful, and sacrificial. We should also be careful about the influence we have on our friends. We should lead them on the right path, and not lead them into temptation or sin. We should be good examples to our friends, and encourage them in their faith. By following these biblical teachings, we can have healthy and God-honoring friendships.