Friendships can be a source of great joy, but sometimes they come to an end, leaving us feeling lost and confused. The Bible offers wisdom and comfort during these tough times. Let’s see what scripture says about friendship endings and how God’s guidance can bring us peace and understanding.
Bible Verses About Friendships Ending
Proverbs 18:24 – True friendship requires effort and understanding
“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” – Proverbs 18:24
Ecclesiastes 3:1 – There is a time for every relationship
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1
Proverbs 27:6 – True friends tell us the truth, even when it hurts
“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” – Proverbs 27:6
2 Timothy 4:10 – Sometimes friends depart for personal reasons
“For Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica.” – 2 Timothy 4:10
Psalm 55:12-14 – It’s painful when friendships falter, especially with those close to us
“If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were rising against me, I could hide. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend.” – Psalm 55:12-14
Matthew 10:34-36 – Following God may cause conflicts in relationships
“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” – Matthew 10:34-36
Proverbs 13:20 – We are shaped by those we keep close
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” – Proverbs 13:20
1 Corinthians 15:33 – Bad company can lead us astray
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'” – 1 Corinthians 15:33
Galatians 6:2 – We are called to bear each other’s burdens
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Proverbs 27:17 – Friendships can sharpen us for the better
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
John 15:13 – A true friend sacrifices for others
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” – John 15:13
Luke 6:22 – We may face rejection from friends because of our beliefs
“Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.” – Luke 6:22
Proverbs 16:28 – Gossip can harm friendships
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.” – Proverbs 16:28
Mark 10:29-30 – Leaving certain relationships may lead to greater blessings
“Truly I tell you, Jesus replied, no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much.” – Mark 10:29-30
James 4:4 – Friendship with the world can draw us away from God
“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” – James 4:4
Psalm 1:1 – We must carefully choose those we associate with
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.” – Psalm 1:1
Proverbs 12:26 – The righteous should guide their friendships wisely
“The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” – Proverbs 12:26
Hebrews 10:24-25 – We should encourage one another in our walk
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
Philippians 3:18-19 – Not all friendships may be beneficial
“For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.” – Philippians 3:18-19
Lamentations 3:19-20 – It’s okay to grieve when relationships fade
“I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me.” – Lamentations 3:19-20
Romans 12:18 – Strive for peace in relationships, even if they end
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” – Romans 12:18
Proverbs 19:4 – Wealth can change friendships
“Wealth attracts many friends, but even the closest friend of the poor person deserts them.” – Proverbs 19:4
1 John 2:19 – Some might leave us because they were never truly one of us
“They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us.” – 1 John 2:19
Matthew 7:6 – Not everyone is deserving of our time
“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs.” – Matthew 7:6
Proverbs 22:24-25 – Avoid friendships that lead us to anger
“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered.” – Proverbs 22:24-25
1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Build each other up, even as friendships change
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Matthew 5:44 – Love our enemies, even if friendship has ended
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:44
Colossians 3:13 – Forgive one another in light of changing friendships
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13
Romans 5:3-4 – Enduring change can produce character
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” – Romans 5:3-4
Isaiah 41:10 – Find comfort in God amidst ended friendships
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.” – Isaiah 41:10
Philippians 4:6-7 – Bring your concerns about lost friendships to God
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6-7
Jeremiah 29:11 – Trust in God’s plans even when friendships end
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Romans 8:28 – God works even the ending of friendships for our good
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
Also Read: 25 Bible Verses About Keeping Your Eyes On God
What Does the Bible Say About Friendships Ending?
When we explore the Bible’s teachings on friendships ending, we discover a wealth of wisdom. Throughout the scriptures, friendships occupy a significant place, and the Bible offers guidance on how to navigate the good and the challenging aspects of these relationships.
We see in Proverbs 18:24 that “a man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” This illustrates the importance of having loyal friends, yet it also indicates that not all friendships are equally meaningful or lasting. Relationships may change, and sometimes, friendships may come to an unexpected end.
The ending of friendships is addressed in several contexts, often emphasizing reconciliation and personal growth. For instance, Paul and Barnabas had a sharp disagreement in Acts 15:36-41, which led them to part ways. Despite this, they both continued their mission of spreading the Gospel. This narrative highlights that even strong spiritual leaders may experience rifts, yet the focus remains on the greater purpose and continues in separate paths.
Moreover, in Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus provides a guideline for resolving conflicts among friends and fellow believers. He advises us to address grievances directly and seek a resolution. If reconciliation cannot be achieved, it suggests involving a few others to mediate. This demonstrates an effort to restore the relationship before deciding to part ways.
Additionally, Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that there is a time for everything, including a season to end certain relationships. Sometimes, the termination of a friendship can lead to personal and spiritual growth. It may be a part of God’s plan for our lives, redirecting us towards new opportunities or connections that align more closely with our current path.
We’re also reminded in Ephesians 4:31-32 to let go of bitterness and anger, cultivating a spirit of kindness and forgiveness. This can be especially relevant when dealing with the end of a friendship. Rather than harboring resentment, we’re encouraged to practice forgiveness, understanding that every experience shapes our journey.
In summary, the Bible acknowledges that friendships can end, offering advice on handling such situations with grace, wisdom, and a focus on personal growth and reconciliation where possible. These teachings help guide us through the emotional complexities of changing relationships, ensuring we remain true to our values and aligned with our spiritual path.