Friends are a cherished blessing, given by God to bring joy, support, and love into our lives. The Bible offers beautiful verses that encourage us to be thankful for our friends. Let’s explore some of these scriptures to deepen our appreciation for the wonderful gift of friendship.
Bible Verses About Giving Thanks for Friends
Proverbs 17:17 – True friends show loyalty
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – Together, we can overcome challenges
“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.”
Philippians 1:3 – Gratitude for friendship
“I thank my God every time I remember you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Encourage one another
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Colossians 3:14 – The bond of love among friends
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
John 15:13 – The greatest love among friends
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Proverbs 27:17 – Sharpening one another
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Romans 12:10 – Devotion to each other in love
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
Psalm 133:1 – Unity in friendship
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
Galatians 6:2 – Support each other’s burdens
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
1 Corinthians 15:33 – The influence of friends
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”
2 Corinthians 1:24 – Partners in joy and faith
“Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm.”
Luke 6:31 – Treat others as you want to be treated
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
Job 16:20-21 – A true friend brings comfort
“My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God; on behalf of a man he pleads with God as one pleads for a friend.”
1 Samuel 18:1 – A deep friendship
“After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.”
Matthew 18:20 – Gathering in His name
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
Proverbs 18:24 – Friends can be a gift
“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
Acts 20:35 – The joy of giving
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Psalm 40:5 – Counting blessings
“Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.”
Matthew 7:12 – Golden rule of reciprocity
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
Philippians 1:4 – Praying for friends
“In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.”
James 1:17 – Every good gift comes from above
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.”
1 Peter 4:10 – Serving one another
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
Proverbs 29:5 – The true nature of trust
“Those who flatter their neighbors are spreading nets for their feet.”
Ecclesiastes 4:12 – Strength in unity
“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Isaiah 41:6 – Help from friends
“Each helps the other and says to their companion, ‘Be strong!’”
Matthew 5:16 – Let your light shine
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Ephesians 5:19 – Speak to one another
“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord.”
Colossians 3:16 – Wisdom among friends
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly, as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom.”
Romans 1:11-12 – Mutual encouragement
“I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.”
John 15:12 – Love as the foundation of friendship
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
2 Chronicles 20:20 – Trusting God together
“Have faith in the Lord your God, and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets, and you will be successful.”
1 John 3:18 – Love in action
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
Proverbs 3:27 – Do good to friends
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.”
Philippians 1:5 – Partnership in the Gospel
“Because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”
Hebrews 10:24-25 – Encouraging fellowship
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.”
Also Read: 30 Bible Verses About God Made Us Perfect
What Does the Bible Say About Giving Thanks for Friends
When we think about the blessings in our lives, our friends often come to mind. The Bible has a lot to say about friendship and the importance of gratitude for these relationships.
First and foremost, Proverbs provides wisdom on the value of friends. It tells us, “A friend loves at all times,” highlighting the lasting and unconditional nature of true friendship. This reminds us to appreciate and thank our friends for their unwavering support and love.
In the New Testament, Paul frequently expresses gratitude for his friends and fellow believers. In his letters, he often begins by thanking God for them. For instance, in Philippians, Paul writes, “I thank my God every time I remember you.” This is a powerful reminder that we, too, should thank God for the gift of our friends regularly.
Moreover, the Bible encourages us to support and uplift each other. Iron sharpens iron, as mentioned in Proverbs, indicating that friends play a crucial role in our personal growth and spiritual journey. By giving thanks for our friends, we acknowledge the positive impact they have on our lives and reaffirm our dedication to nurturing these relationships.
Additionally, Jesus Himself demonstrates the value of friendship. He had a close circle of friends—the disciples—and showed deep love and gratitude toward them. His example teaches us the significance of expressing thankfulness for our companions.
In Hebrews, we’re reminded to encourage one another daily, ensuring that none of us is hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. This call to lift each other up reiterates the importance of a grateful heart for the friends who walk alongside us.
By reflecting on these scriptures, we see that giving thanks for friends is not just a kind gesture but a biblical principle. It enriches our lives, strengthens our bonds, and aligns our hearts with God’s teachings. Let us take a moment today to express our gratitude for the friends who bring joy, support, and wisdom into our lives.