Our friends are some of the most important people in our lives. We cherish the happy memories we have with them and how they always lift us up during our times of need.
While we often think of giving thanks for them on a daily basis, it’s important to remember that the Bible also speaks words of thanks for our friends. Here are some of the most powerful Bible verses about gratitude for the friends we are blessed to have.
Bible Verses About Giving Thanks for Friends
1. Psalm 118:29
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”
In this verse, we are encouraged to give thanks to the Lord because of His goodness and enduring love. It is fitting that we express gratitude to God for the gift of friends that He has placed in our lives.
2. Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of loyal and steadfast friendship. It reminds us that true friends stand by us through both good and challenging times, demonstrating their love and support.
3. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“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. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”
This verse emphasizes the advantage of having a friend. Friends provide support, encouragement, and assistance when we face hardships and challenges, making our journey through life more bearable.
4. Proverbs 27:9
“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”
This verse highlights the value of a true friend’s guidance. Friends who offer honest and wise counsel bring joy and comfort to our hearts, enriching our lives with their presence.
5. Proverbs 18:24
“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
This verse illustrates the importance of choosing our friends wisely. It warns us about the detriment of having unreliable friends while highlighting the significance of a loyal friend who remains faithful in all circumstances.
6. Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
This verse emphasizes the transformative power of friendship. By engaging with friends who challenge, inspire, and hold us accountable, we grow and become better versions of ourselves.
7. 1 Thessalonians 3:9
“How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?”
This verse portrays the overwhelming gratitude Paul had for his friends in Thessalonica. It serves as a reminder of the preciousness of friends and the joy they bring into our lives, leaving us grateful to God for them.
8. Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
This verse illuminates the importance of love and honor in friendships. It encourages us to prioritize the well-being and needs of our friends, demonstrating selflessness and genuine care for their lives.
9. Proverbs 27:6
“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
This verse reflects the significance of a true friend’s honesty, even when it may be difficult to hear. Constructive criticism and gentle rebukes from friends can be trusted, revealing their genuine concern for our personal growth.
10. James 4:8
“Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
While not speaking directly about friendships, this verse reminds us of the importance of drawing near to God. Developing a strong relationship with God aids in cultivating healthy friendships and seeking His guidance in those relationships.
11. Proverbs 16:28
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
This verse warns against gossip and the harm it can cause to friendships. It reminds us to guard our tongues and avoid engaging in conversations that may harm our relationships with friends.
12. 1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'”
Although referring more broadly to the effect of bad company, this verse reminds us to choose friends with character and integrity, as they greatly influence and shape our lives.
13. John 15:13
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
This powerful verse accentuates the sacrificial nature of love. It reminds us of the selflessness and depth of love we should have for our friends, being willing to make personal sacrifices for their well-being.
14. 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.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in friendships. It encourages us to be patient with one another, quick to forgive when offenses occur, just as God forgives us.
15. Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
This verse reminds us of the influence that our friends have on our lives. It encourages us to choose wise and godly friends who will positively impact and contribute to our spiritual growth.
16. Ecclesiastes 4:12
“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
This verse illustrates the strength found in the unity of friendship. Together, friends can support and protect one another, allowing them to overcome challenges and difficulties more effectively.
17. 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.”
Though not directly referencing friendship, this verse reminds us of the importance of using our talents and gifts to serve others, including our friends. It encourages a selfless, giving attitude towards our friends.
18. Proverbs 22:24-25
“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.”
This verse cautions against forming friendships with individuals who have a quick temper, emphasizing the potential danger in adopting their behavior. It reminds us to be selective and discerning when choosing our friends.
19. Ecclesiastes 9:9
“Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun—all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun.”
Although primarily addressing marriage, this verse highlights the importance of cherishing and enjoying the companionship of a close friend throughout our lives. It encourages cultivating deep, lifelong friendships.
20. Romans 1:12
“That is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.”
This verse highlights the power of mutual encouragement within friendships. Friends who share their faith can inspire and uplift one another, fostering spiritual growth and resilience.
21. Luke 6:31
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
Known as the Golden Rule, this verse encourages us to treat our friends with the same love, respect, and kindness that we desire for ourselves. It sets the foundation for healthy and meaningful friendships.
22. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of being a source of encouragement to our friends. It encourages us to actively seek opportunities to build up and support our friends in their pursuits and journeys.
23. Proverbs 27:19
“As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.”
This verse reminds us that our friendships are a reflection of our character and heart. It encourages us to cultivate a heart that values and invests in meaningful friendships, enriching our own lives as well as others’.
24. Ecclesiastes 4:11
“Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?”
This verse expresses the benefits of companionship and the warmth that true friendship provides. It implies that having a friend brings comfort, support, and a sense of belonging, making life more fulfilling.
25. Romans 12:15
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
This verse encourages empathy and compassion in our friendships. It reminds us to rejoice and celebrate our friends’ successes and joys while also offering comfort and support in times of sorrow and difficulty.
Also Read: Top 25 Bible Verses About Good (With Commentary)
What Does the Bible Say About Giving Thanks for Friends?
The Bible emphasizes the importance of gratitude and giving thanks, not only to God but also for the relationships and friendships we have been blessed with. While it may not explicitly mention thanking specifically for friends in a single verse, the concept of gratitude and valuing relationships is woven throughout its teachings.
The book of Proverbs, for instance, acknowledges the significance of companionship and advises on the qualities of a good friend. Proverbs 17:17 states, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” This verse highlights the constancy and support that true friends provide, reinforcing the idea of being thankful for their presence in our lives.
Moreover, the Bible encourages believers to show gratitude in their interactions with others. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 admonishes, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” This verse implies that being thankful extends to all aspects of our lives, including the friends we have and the positive influence they bring.
Ultimately, while there might not be a specific verse that directly states “give thanks for your friends,” the broader message of gratitude, love, and valuing relationships aligns with the biblical teachings. Expressing gratitude for friends is a way of acknowledging God’s blessings and recognizing the value of human connection, which is in line with the spirit of many biblical teachings.