Friendship is a special gift that God gives us. Good friends make our lives brighter, support us when we face challenges, and share in our joy. The Bible has many verses that teach us about the importance of friendship and how we can be good friends to others. These words remind us to love, support, and care for each other, just as Jesus loves us.
Today, we will share some wonderful Bible verses about friendship that are perfect for kids. These scriptures will help you understand what it means to be a true friend and how to build strong, loving relationships with others. Let’s take a look at what the Bible says!
Bible Verses About Friendship For Kids
The Foundation of True Friendship
We know that friendship is built upon a foundation of love and trust. In the Bible, we learn that true friends are those who care deeply for one another. The verses we will explore teach us that genuine friendship goes beyond mere pleasant exchanges. It involves loyalty, support, and unconditional love. As we reflect on these verses, let us see how we can be the kind of friends who will always be there for each other, just as God is there for us.
Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” – Proverbs 17:17
This verse shows us that a true friend is always there, offering love and support, especially during tough times. It reminds us that friendships are crucial during adversity and that our friends are like family who stand by us.
Ecclesiastes 4:9
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9
Here, we find wisdom in companionship. Friends working together can achieve more and support each other, highlighting the beauty of partnership and camaraderie.
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
This verse teaches us that friends help each other grow and improve. Just as iron sharpens iron, our friendships should encourage us to become better individuals.
John 15:13
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” – John 15:13
This teaching from Jesus highlights the ultimate form of love and sacrifice in friendship. A true friend is willing to go to great lengths for the well-being of others, showing us how deep our commitment should be.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
This verse reminds us to be uplifting to our friends. Encouragement strengthens bonds and fosters an environment where friendship can flourish.
The Beauty of Giving and Sharing
Friendship is all about sharing our lives and joys with one another, and the Bible encourages us to practice generosity and selflessness. By giving our time, attention, and resources, we reflect the love of Christ. The following verses resonate deeply with this idea, teaching us the profound lesson that sharing enriches our friendships and makes them more meaningful.
Luke 6:38
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” – Luke 6:38
This verse teaches us the importance of generosity. When we give to others, we can expect to receive blessings in return, not just materially but in our relationships as well.
Acts 20:35
“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.’” – Acts 20:35
This golden rule of giving highlights how taking care of those in need, especially our friends, brings joy and fulfillment. It encourages us to prioritize kindness and sharing.
2 Corinthians 9:7
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7
Our willingness to give from the heart strengthens our friendships. This passage teaches that the intent behind our giving is what matters most, and genuine generosity deepens bonds.
Philippians 2:4
“Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” – Philippians 2:4
This verse encourages us to consider our friend’s needs and aspirations. By showing interest in others, we create a nurturing environment in our friendships that fosters connection and understanding.
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
We are called to support one another through struggles, which illustrates the essence of friendship. Lifting each other’s burdens creates unity and demonstrates love in action.
The Joy of Supporting One Another
Supporting our friends in their times of need strengthens our bonds and reflects God’s love. The Bible teaches us to be a source of strength and encouragement, reminding us of the powerful impact we can have on each other. As we explore these verses, let’s reflect on how we can actively lift each other during life’s ups and downs, embodying the support that Jesus offers us.
Proverbs 18:24
“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” – Proverbs 18:24
This verse urges us to evaluate the quality of our friendships. Reliable friends provide steadfast support, and we must strive to be that dependable friend for others.
1 Peter 4:10
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10
To support one another, we can use our talents and gifts to serve our friends. This scripture encourages us to invest in each other’s well-being and happiness.
Hebrews 10:24
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24
Encouraging one another in our faith and good works creates a powerful support system among friends. Together, we can inspire one another to go further.
Proverbs 25:11
“Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given.” – Proverbs 25:11
This verse reminds us that wise counsel is precious. As friends, we can offer guidance and support that illuminates the path for each other, which is incredibly valuable.
Job 16:20-21
“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.” – Job 16:20-21
This passage captures the essence of friendship in intercession and prayer. Being that friend who intercedes on behalf of our loved ones is a powerful way to show support.
The Importance of Forgiveness in Friendship
Every friendship will go through challenges, and often, misunderstandings occur. The Bible teaches us about the significance of forgiveness, helping us navigate rough patches in our relationships. By letting go of grudges and embracing forgiveness, we can heal and fortify our bonds. These next verses remind us that genuine friendship thrives when we practice grace and understanding.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
This important message encourages a culture of kindness among friends. When we forgive each other, we reflect the grace we’ve received from God.
Colossians 3:13
“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
This verse emphasizes the principle that because we have been forgiven, we should extend the same grace to our friends. It teaches us to be patient and forgiving.
Matthew 6:14-15
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” – Matthew 6:14-15
Forgiveness is a reciprocal process. As we forgive, we also position ourselves to receive forgiveness from God, strengthening our relationship with Him.
Luke 17:3
“So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them.” – Luke 17:3
This passage teaches us the importance of accountability among friends. Open communication and forgiveness create a pathway to restoring friendships.
Proverbs 19:11
“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” – Proverbs 19:11
Choosing to overlook minor offenses showcases wisdom. This encourages us to prioritize the value of friendship over petty disagreements.
The Power of Loyalty and Trust
Loyalty is a fundamental pillar of friendship. The Bible presents loyalty as a hallmark of true friendship. Friends who stand by each other through challenges show their dedication. These verses reveal the depth of loyalty and trust we need to cultivate in our friendships. Let’s explore how to become friends who are steadfast and trustworthy!
Proverbs 3:3
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.” – Proverbs 3:3
This verse urges us to hold onto love and loyalty tightly in our friendships. It encourages us to carry these virtues as badges of honor, marking our commitment to others.
Psalms 55:13-14
“But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God, as we walked about among the worshipers.” – Psalms 55:13-14
This heartfelt expression of friendship highlights the joy of fellowship and loyalty among friends. It reminds us that true companionship flourishes in love and faithfulness.
Proverbs 20:6
“Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?” – Proverbs 20:6
This question emphasizes the rarity of true loyalty among friends. It encourages us to seek out and become the kind of faithful friend that is genuinely uplifting.
1 Corinthians 13:7
“It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” – 1 Corinthians 13:7
Love is the essence of friendship, characterized by protection and unwavering trust. This verse inspires us to show unconditional support to our friends.
Proverbs 27:10
“Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family, and do not go to your brother’s house when disaster strikes you – better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.” – Proverbs 27:10
This verse emphasizes the importance of being close and loyal to our friends, especially during challenging times. Our friendships should be valued above all.
Friendship as a Reflection of God’s Love
As we explore the beauty of friendship, we must remember that the friendships we cultivate echo God’s love for us. We see countless examples of how He relates to us as a friend. In turn, we are called to reflect that love in our relationships. The following verses illustrate how friendship serves as a beautiful representation of God’s unwavering love.
James 2:23
“And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,’ and he was called God’s friend.” – James 2:23
This scripture reminds us that faith nurtures a close relationship, showing how friendship with God is founded on trust. It encourages us to be faithful friends to those around us.
John 15:15
“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” – John 15:15
Jesus elevates us from servants to friends. This transformation teaches us that deep relationships, marked by transparency and trust, reflect our bond with Christ.
Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
This incredible act of love underscores how friendship should mirror the sacrificial nature of Christ’s love for us. We are called to love our friends selflessly.
1 John 3:1
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” – 1 John 3:1
Understanding our identity as God’s children inspires us to love others selflessly. Our friendships thrive when we acknowledge the divine love we’ve received.
Colossians 3:14
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:14
Love is the glue that holds friendships together. This verse motivates us to prioritize love in our relationships, helping us cultivate strong bonds.
Final Thoughts
Friendship is truly a beautiful journey that brings us closer to one another and to God. Through the Bible, we find wonderful guidance on how to be loving, trustworthy, supportive, and forgiving friends. We are encouraged to cherish the friendships we have, to nurture them, and to always seek to show love just as Christ did for us. As we go about our lives, let’s remember to reflect God’s love in all our relationships.
Friendship is a wonderful gift, and it is our responsibility to take care of our friends. By applying the lessons from these verses, we can grow in our friendships and make our bonds even more profound. May we always strive to be the kind of friends who encourage, uplift, and love unconditionally.
If you’re interested in more uplifting topics, check out these articles on friendship and trust and friendship and forgiveness.