Summary

Thankful for friendship bible verses
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Thankful for friendship bible verses

The Ultimate Biblical Guide to Gratitude for Friendship: Verses, Q&A, and Application

Part 1: The “Thankful for Friendship” Scripture Collection (60 Verses)

While the word “friendship” appears sparingly, the Bible is overflowing with the concept of one-anothering, partnership, and thanksgiving for people. I have categorized these to help you find the exact sentiment you need.

Direct Thanksgiving for People (Paul’s Model)

 

These are perfect for writing in cards or texts to tell friends you thank God for them.

1. Philippians 1:3 – “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you.”

2. Philippians 1:4-5 – “Always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel.”

3. 1 Thessalonians 1:2 – “We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers.”

4. 2 Timothy 1:3 – “I thank God… as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day.”

5. Philemon 1:4 – “I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers.”

6. Ephesians 1:16 – “I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.”

7. Romans 1:8 – “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world.”

8. Colossians 1:3 – “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you.”

9. 1 Corinthians 1:4 – “I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus.”

10. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 – “But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord.”

11. 3 John 1:4 – “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”

12. 2 Corinthians 9:14 – “While they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you.”

The Value & Blessing of a True Friend

 

13. Ecclesiastes 4:9 – “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.”

14. Ecclesiastes 4:10 – “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!”

15. Proverbs 17:17 – “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

16. Proverbs 27:9 – “Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.”

17. Proverbs 27:17 – “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”

18. Proverbs 18:24 – “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

19. Psalm 133:1 – “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!”

20. Proverbs 12:26 – “One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor.”

21. Proverbs 22:11 – “He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.”

22. Job 6:14 – “He who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.”

23. Ruth 1:16 – “But Ruth said… ‘Where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.'”

24. 1 Samuel 18:1 – “The soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.”

25. 1 Samuel 18:3 – “Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul.”

26. 2 Kings 2:2 – “As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you.” (Loyalty).

Encouragement & Building Each Other Up

 

27. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 – “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”

28. Hebrews 10:24 – “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.”

29. Hebrews 10:25 – “Not neglecting to meet together… but encouraging one another.”

30. Romans 1:12 – “That is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.”

31. Proverbs 16:24 – “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”

32. Galatians 6:2 – “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

33. Ecclesiastes 4:12 – “A threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

34. Romans 15:1 – “We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.”

35. Romans 12:15 – “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”

36. Job 2:11 – “They made an appointment together to come to show him sympathy and comfort him.”

37. 2 Corinthians 1:4 – “Who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction.”

38. James 5:16 – “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.”

39. 1 Peter 4:10 – “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”

40. Colossians 3:16 – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom.”

Love & Unity in Friendship

 

41. John 15:13 – “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”

42. John 13:34 – “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”

43. 1 Peter 4:8 – “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.”

44. Romans 12:10 – “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”

45. Colossians 3:14 – “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”

46. Ephesians 4:2-3 – “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit.”

47. 1 John 4:7 – “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God.”

48. 1 John 4:11 – “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”

49. Proverbs 17:9 – “Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.”

50. John 15:12 – “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”

51. Philippians 2:3 – “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”

52. 1 Corinthians 13:7 – “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

Jesus as The Ultimate Friend

 

53. John 15:15 – “No longer do I call you servants… but I have called you friends.”

54. Proverbs 18:24 – “There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

55. Matthew 11:19 – “A friend of tax collectors and sinners!”

56. Revelation 3:20 – “I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”

57. Psalm 25:14 – “The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him.”

58. James 2:23 – “Abraham believed God… and he was called a friend of God.”

59. Exodus 33:11 – “Thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.”

60. John 15:14 – “You are my friends if you do what I command you.”

Part 2: Top 25 Forum Q&A (Real Believer Questions)

 

Synthesized from the most active discussions on r/Christianity, Christian Forums, and BibleStudyTools regarding friendship.

1. Q: How do I thank a friend biblically in a card? A: Use Philippians 1:3 (“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you”). It affirms that your gratitude for them is rooted in your relationship with God.

2. Q: What does “Iron Sharpens Iron” really mean? A: (Prov 27:17) It means friendship involves constructive friction. Sparks fly when iron hits iron. A true friend challenges you to be better, even if it’s uncomfortable.

3. Q: Can I be thankful for a non-Christian friend? A: Yes. Every good gift is from above (James 1:17). You can be thankful for their kindness and companionship, while praying for their salvation so you can share the deepest level of fellowship.

4. Q: How do I handle a friend who betrayed me? A: Look to Jesus and Judas. Jesus washed Judas’s feet. Forgive (Col 3:13), but set boundaries. You can forgive without re-establishing trust immediately.

5. Q: Is it wrong to have a “best friend” over others? A: No. Jesus had the 12, but He had an “inner circle” of Peter, James, and John, and a “beloved disciple” (John). Levels of intimacy are biblical.

6. Q: What if I feel lonely and have no friends? A: Focus on being a friend first. “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly” (Prov 18:24 KJV). Serve in church; shared mission builds the strongest bonds.

7. Q: How do I pray for my friends? A: Pray Colossians 1:9-11 over them: that they be filled with the knowledge of God’s will, walk worthy of the Lord, and be strengthened with all power.

8. Q: Should I lend money to a friend? A: Wisdom suggests: Only lend what you are willing to turn into a gift. If they can’t pay it back, are you willing to forgive the debt to save the friendship?

9. Q: Is it okay to end a toxic friendship? A: Yes. “Bad company ruins good morals” (1 Cor 15:33). If a friend is pulling you away from God, you must distance yourself to protect your walk.

10. Q: What makes a “Covenant Friendship”? A: Like David and Jonathan, it is a bond that puts the other’s needs first, often sealed by a commitment to protect and provide for one another sacrificially.

11. Q: How do I comfort a grieving friend? A: “Weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). Don’t offer clichés. Just be present. Job’s friends were helpful only when they sat in silence.

12. Q: Can men and women be just friends? A: It is possible but requires wisdom and strict boundaries to “treat younger women as sisters, with absolute purity” (1 Timothy 5:2).

13. Q: How do I deal with jealousy of a friend’s success? A: Confess it to God. Then, force yourself to celebrate them. “Rejoice with those who rejoice.” Actively thanking God for their success kills envy.

14. Q: Why did Jesus call us friends? A: Because He revealed the Father’s business to us (John 15:15). Slaves obey orders; friends understand the heart and the plan.

15. Q: How do I apologize to a friend? A: “Confess your sins to one another” (James 5:16). Be specific about what you did wrong and ask for forgiveness, not just “I’m sorry.”

16. Q: What is a “friend that sticks closer than a brother”? A: It refers to a friend chosen by covenant loyalty, which can be stronger than the accidental bond of blood relations. Ultimately, it points to Christ.

17. Q: How do I navigate friendship with a friend who has different politics? A: Focus on the Kingdom of God, which is above earthly kingdoms. “Maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph 4:3).

18. Q: Is gossip the biggest friendship killer? A: Yes. “A whisperer separates close friends” (Prov 16:28). Protect your friend’s reputation even when they aren’t there.

19. Q: How do I thank a mentor/older friend? A: Thank them for their wisdom and example. “Remember your leaders… imitate their faith” (Hebrews 13:7).

20. Q: Can I pray for God to send me friends? A: Absolutely. It is a prayer for “God to set the lonely in families” (Psalm 68:6).

21. Q: What if my friends leave me when times get hard? A: It is painful, but you are in good company (Paul in 2 Tim 4:16). Rely on the Lord who “stood by me and strengthened me.”

22. Q: How do I show gratitude without being awkward? A: Send a text with a verse. It’s low pressure but high impact.

23. Q: What is Phileo love? A: It is the Greek word for brotherly/friendship love. It represents shared interests and affection.

24. Q: How do I discern a fake friend? A: “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy” (Prov 27:6). Flattery is often a sign of a fake friend; honest correction is a sign of a true one.

25. Q: What is the greatest gift I can give a friend? A: Laying down your life (John 15:13)—which usually means laying down your time, your preference, or your right to be right.

Part 3: 15 Actionable Tips for Daily Application

At Work & Career

 

1. The “Encouragement Email”: Every Friday, send one email to a colleague thanking them for a specific trait (diligence, kindness) using 1 Thess 1:2.

2. Gossip Stopper: If a coworker starts gossiping, say, “I value [Name] too much to talk about them when they aren’t here.” Be a safe space.

3. The Lunch Invite: Find the person eating alone. Invite them. Friendship starts with inclusion.

4. Celebrate Wins: When a work friend gets promoted, bring them coffee. Kill professional jealousy with generosity.

In Studies (School/University)

 

5. Study Buddy Prayer: Before studying, ask your friend, “How can I pray for you regarding this exam?” It shifts the focus from stress to God.

6. The “Sticky Note” Ministry: Leave a post-it with Proverbs 17:17 on a friend’s desk or dorm door.

7. Defend the Absent: If classmates mock a friend, speak up. Loyalty is rare and highly valued.

8. Digital Detox: When hanging out with friends, put phones away. Give them the gift of your full presence (Listening is love).

Social Life & Relationships

 

9. The “Random Text”: Text a friend out of the blue: “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you (Phil 1:3). Just thinking of you.”

10. Active Listening: Use James 1:19 (quick to hear, slow to speak). Ask 3 questions before you share your own story.

11. The “Gas Money” Rule: If a friend drives, offer gas money or buy the snacks. Don’t be a burden; be a blessing.

12. Hospitality: Open your home. Pizza on the floor with laughter is better than a sterile house without friends. (Prov 15:17).

Family (The First Friends)

 

13. Spouse Affirmation: Tell your spouse, “You are my best friend,” and back it up with Song of Solomon 5:16 (“This is my friend”).

14. Sibling Unity: Teach kids Psalm 133:1. When they fight, have them hold hands and pray for each other.

15. Parental Friendship: As you enter adulthood, thank your parents for their friendship, moving beyond just authority.

Part 4: Bonus – Deepen Your Understanding

 

• The Greek Connection: The New Testament uses the word Philos for friend. It implies a love that is chosen, not forced. It contrasts with Agape (unconditional love) but is often intertwined with it in Christian community.

• The Science of Gratitude: Studies show that expressing gratitude to a friend increases oxytocin (the bonding hormone) for both people. The Bible was right when it said, “he who waters will himself be watered” (Prov 11:25).

• Anam Cara: This is an ancient Celtic Christian concept meaning “Soul Friend.” It refers to a person with whom you can share your deepest self and who helps you navigate your spiritual path.