Friendship Refreshed in the Bible
In the Bible, friendship is not only admired but praised. Proverbs 12:26 states, “The righteous choice of friends is like a wise last will and testament”. There are references to friendships in both Old and New Testaments of the Bible, with the stories of Ruth and David and Jesus and John, for example. In the Bible, friendship is seen as a type of covenant relationship. A covenant relationship is a powerful bond between two people that is sealed with vows and promises to one another.
In the Bible, a friend is accepted as a confidant; someone with whom one can share secrets, talk freely, and trust to remain loyal and keep thoughts confidential. A friend is also a companion, helping one to bear burdens and walk through difficulties life can bring.
The Bible asks us to love our friend as we love ourself; friends have to be loyal, trusted, and have each others’ backs. We are encouraged to take care of our friends, just like we treat our families. Friends are seen as having a spiritual significance in God’s plan for our lives, to teach and enrich us, help us to empathize and grow, and to fulfill the purpose for which we were created.
The Bible instructs us to choose our friends wisely and not to develop friendships with people who will lead us astray. We are also warned against becoming too attached to worldly relationships. Jesus said, “…for what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?” (Matthew 16:26).
God’s Love, Friend or More
God is our best friend who will never leave us. He loves us unconditionally, accepts us as we are, and knows our hearts inside and out. Unlike human relationships, God’s love never fails, never wavers and never changes
God never toys with our emotions or leaves us questioning His motives and feelings. He always has our best interests in mind, even if we don’t understand why He does what He does. Even during our worst times, God’s love remains the same.
The Bible speaks often of the importance of being good friends to other people, but it also reminds us that none are greater than a true friendship with God. When we have a relationship with God, it gives us a special kind of love that can sustain us through anything.
God’s constant love and willingness to forgive, even when we mess up, is a great example of what it means to be a good friend. Being faithful and showing mercy, even when it’s hard; that’s what separates us from the rest.
God knows our weaknesses and our flaws and still loves us anyway. His love is unconditional; it’s a love that passes understanding, and it’s a love that never fails.
Having a Best Friend in Jesus
A true friendship with Jesus is unlike any other friendship in life. It’s a companionship that gives us peace during the stormiest of times. Jesus is always there to listen, encourage us, and guide us in the right direction.
No matter how bad things may be, Jesus’ love never fails. He is strong in the midst of our weaknesses, and He is comforting when times are tough. He also brings a great joy and contentment when times are good.
Having a friendship with Jesus also brings a level of security and peace that no other friendship can provide. When we are friends with Jesus, His presence brings joy and comfort to our lives. We have someone to turn to in times of trouble and someone to celebrate with in times of joy.
Jesus not only adds to our lives, but He also offers us hope. He offers hope of a better life and promises a brighter future. He promises to always be there for us, no matter how hard things may get.
We can develop a strong friendship with Jesus by reading and studying the Bible, praying, and attending church. Even though Jesus is no longer physically on the earth, we can still develop a relationship with Him by speaking directly to Him in prayer and listening to what He has to say in Scripture.
Sacrificing for a Friend
In the Bible, friendship often requires sacrificing our own desires and needs for the sake of someone else. We are called to love our neighbor as we love ourselves and to go the extra mile for friends in need.
Jesus gives us the perfect example of self-sacrifice. He sacrificed His entire life for us, so that we could have the opportunity to enter Heaven one day. And even though it cost Him dearly, He did so without hesitation or doubt.
Jesus’ example of self-sacrifice shows us that true friendship requires making yourself vulnerable and putting someone else first. We are called to love others in the way Jesus has loved us, to not just talk about it, but to be willing to put our own needs aside to meet the needs of those around us.
A true friendship is not one sided, but mutually beneficial. We must be willing to make sacrifices and put others’ needs above our own, just as Jesus did. We must be willing to do whatever is necessary to deepen our friendship and foster genuine relationship.
Accepting the Different
Friendship is not exclusive to a certain group or type of person. We have been instructed to show love, kindness, and respect to all people, no matter how different they may be from us.
The Bible says, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged” (Matthew 7:1). In other words, we should not discriminate based on a person’s race, nationality, economic status, or any other factors. Instead, we should accept people for who they are and be willing to love them regardless of their differences.
We should strive to be welcoming and open-minded when it comes to friendships. We should seek to develop friendships with those from different backgrounds and with different beliefs. We should never reject someone because of their race, sexuality, or any other factor that may make them different from us.
As Christians, it is our duty to accept and love people who may be different from us. We need to show kindness, compassion, and grace to everyone, regardless of how different they may be. We should look for ways to build bridges and unify people, instead of divide them.
Living in Harmony
It is important to cultivate healthy and respectful relationships. According to Matthew 5:3 “ Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God”. God has commanded us to be peacemakers, to look for ways to bring harmony and peace into our relationships. We must strive to settle conflicts in a respectful, kind, and amicable manner.
Friendships must also be based on honest communication. We should strive to speak the truth always, even when it is difficult. We must practice patience when things don’t go our way. We should also seek to be understanding, patient, and humble, in order to foster true friendship.
Friendships should bring us joy and peace, rather than overwhelm us with anxiety and stress. We must remember to value, honor, and respect those who are different from us. We should look for common ground rather than focus on differences.
God expects us to be kind to one another, no matter how different we might be. With humble hearts and minds, God will direct us how to reconcile and solve conflicts that arise. Friendships can be a great blessing, and can be used to glorify God and bring Him honor and glory if pursued properly.
