Friendship love, which is often referred to as “philia” in ancient Greek philosophy, is a profound and enduring bond of mutual respect, affection, and shared experiences between individuals. Unlike romantic love, friendship love is marked by its emphasis on companionship, trust, and a deep sense of camaraderie. It is a love that evolves and strengthens over time, nourished by shared values, mutual support, and a sincere concern for each other’s well-being. This type of love holds significant importance in our lives as it not only provides emotional support during both good and challenging times but also plays a pivotal role in enriching our personal growth through the diverse perspectives and experiences of our friends.
Bible Verses For Friendship Love
1. Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
This verse highlights the constant and enduring nature of true friendship, which becomes even more apparent during difficult times.
2. 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.”
The value of companionship is emphasized here, showing that friendship provides strength and support in times of need.
3. John 15:13
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Jesus speaks of the ultimate expression of love in friendship—self-sacrifice for the well-being of a friend, which He exemplified through His own life.
4. 1 Samuel 18:3
“And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.”
The deep bond between Jonathan and David is a biblical example of friendship based on mutual love and loyalty.
5. Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
This verse speaks to the positive influence friends can have on each other, encouraging growth and improvement through their relationship.
6. Ruth 1:16-17
“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.'”
Ruth’s commitment to Naomi is a powerful example of loyalty and love in a friendship that transcends familial ties.
7. 1 John 4:7-8
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
John emphasizes the divine origin of love, calling believers to express this love in their friendships.
8. 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 joy and comfort that wise counsel from a friend can bring, likening it to the refreshing effect of fragrance.
9. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
Paul’s description of love applies to friendships, outlining the qualities that should be present in a loving and supportive relationship.
10. Colossians 3:12-14
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
This passage encourages believers to embody virtues that strengthen friendships, with love being the binding force of unity.
11. Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
Paul calls for devotion and mutual respect in relationships, essential components of a strong and enduring friendship.
12. Ephesians 4:2-3
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
This passage emphasizes the importance of humility, patience, and love in maintaining unity and peace in friendships.
13. 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.”
Abraham’s faith and obedience led to his being called a friend of God, highlighting the deep relationship that can exist between God and His people.
14. 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 contrasts unreliable friends with the value of a true friend, who remains loyal and close even more than a sibling.
15. 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.”
Jesus elevates His disciples to the status of friends, sharing with them the deep knowledge and love He has received from the Father.
16. Proverbs 22:11
“One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend.”
This proverb teaches that integrity and gracious speech can lead to influential friendships, even with those in high positions.
17. Job 42:10
“After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.”
Job’s act of praying for his friends, despite their earlier criticisms, led to his restoration, demonstrating the power of forgiveness and intercession in friendship.
18. 1 Peter 4:8-10
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
Peter emphasizes the importance of deep love, hospitality, and service in maintaining and strengthening friendships.
19. Proverbs 27:6
“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
This proverb highlights the value of honest, albeit painful, feedback from a true friend, contrasting it with the deceitful flattery of an enemy.
20. Zechariah 8:16-17
“These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this,’ declares the Lord.”
The Lord commands truthfulness and justice in relationships, essential qualities for maintaining trust and love in friendships.
21. Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Paul instructs believers to support each other in difficult times, fulfilling the law of Christ through acts of love and friendship.
22. Proverbs 16:28
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
This verse warns against the destructive power of gossip, which can drive a wedge between even the closest of friends.
23. Acts 2:44-47
“All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
The early Christian community is an example of deep friendship and love, characterized by sharing, fellowship, and mutual care.
24. Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
This proverb encourages choosing friends wisely, as the company one keeps can have a profound impact on one’s character and life.
25. Romans 13:8
“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.”
Paul emphasizes that the primary obligation in relationships is to love one another, fulfilling the law of God through love.
26. Philippians 2:3-4
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Paul calls for humility and selflessness in relationships, key traits for fostering deep and meaningful friendships.
27. Song of Solomon 8:6-7
“Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one’s house for love, it would be utterly scorned.”
This poetic description of love’s power and endurance speaks to the depth of love that should characterize close friendships.
28. Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
This verse teaches that overlooking minor offenses and not dwelling on them is essential for maintaining healthy and loving friendships.
29. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Paul encourages believers to support and uplift one another, strengthening the bonds of friendship through encouragement.
30. Proverbs 15:22
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
The wisdom of seeking advice from friends is highlighted here, emphasizing the importance of friendship in making sound decisions.
The Depth of Love in Friendship
31. 1 John 3:16-18
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
John urges believers to express their love through selfless actions, just as Jesus did, highlighting that true friendship involves tangible support and care for one another.
32. 1 Peter 1:22
“Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.”
Peter calls for deep, heartfelt love among believers, a love that stems from purity and obedience to the truth.
33. Proverbs 25:17
“Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house—too much of you, and they will hate you.”
This proverb advises moderation in relationships, warning that overfamiliarity can strain friendships.
34. Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
Jesus promises His presence in gatherings of believers, emphasizing the spiritual bond that strengthens friendships among those who follow Him.
35. Luke 6:31
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
This Golden Rule serves as a foundational principle for relationships, advocating for empathy and fairness in friendships.
36. Romans 15:5-7
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”
Paul encourages believers to emulate Christ’s attitude of acceptance and unity, fostering harmony and love in friendships.
37. Proverbs 19:20
“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.”
This proverb emphasizes the importance of being open to correction and advice from friends, which leads to wisdom and growth.
38. Colossians 3:15
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
Paul calls for peace and gratitude in relationships, promoting a harmonious and loving community among friends.
39. Luke 10:25-37
“On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. ‘Teacher,’ he asked, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ ‘What is written in the Law?’ he replied. ‘How do you read it?’ He answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ‘You have answered correctly,’ Jesus replied. ‘Do this and you will live.’ But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’ In reply, Jesus said: ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers.
They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.
The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ ‘Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?’ The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’ Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.'”
The parable of the Good Samaritan teaches about the broad definition of friendship and love, emphasizing that true friendship transcends social and cultural boundaries and is shown through acts of mercy.
40. Proverbs 12:26
“The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.”
This proverb advises careful selection of friends, as the influence of friends can lead one either toward righteousness or down the wrong path.
41. Hebrews 10:24-25
“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—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
The writer of Hebrews encourages believers to gather together, inspiring each other to love and perform good deeds, highlighting the importance of community in friendship.
42. Zechariah 7:9-10
“This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.’”
God’s command to show mercy and compassion to others underlines the ethical responsibility in friendships and relationships, promoting justice and kindness.
43. Proverbs 27:10
“Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family, and do not go to your relative’s house when disaster strikes you—better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away.”
This proverb advises maintaining strong bonds with friends and neighbors, emphasizing their value, especially in times of trouble, over distant relatives.
44. Ephesians 5:1-2
“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
Paul urges believers to imitate God’s love, demonstrated through Christ’s sacrifice, as the guiding principle in all relationships, including friendships.
45. Proverbs 14:21
“It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.”
This verse highlights the moral obligation to treat neighbors with kindness and respect, emphasizing that friendship involves care for those in need.
46. Isaiah 41:6
“They helped everyone his neighbor; and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage.”
This verse speaks to the encouragement and support friends offer each other, fostering strength and courage within the community.
47. 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10
“Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more.”
Paul commends the Thessalonians for their love but encourages them to continue growing in their love for one another, underscoring that love in friendships should always deepen.
48. Job 6:14
“Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.”
Job criticizes those who fail to show kindness to friends, equating it with a lack of reverence for God, thus highlighting the spiritual dimension of friendship.
49. John 13:34-35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Jesus commands His disciples to love one another as He has loved them, making love the defining characteristic of His followers, including in their friendships.
50. Ecclesiastes 4:11-12
“Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
This passage underscores the strength found in companionship and the power of unity in friendship, which provides warmth, protection, and resilience.
51. Proverbs 20:6
“Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?”
This proverb points out the rarity and value of true faithfulness in friendships, contrasting it with the superficial claims of many.
52. 1 John 4:10-12
“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”
John explains that our love for one another is a response to God’s love, and through this love, God’s presence is manifest in our relationships.
53. Galatians 5:13-14
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
Paul teaches that true freedom in Christ involves serving others in love, fulfilling the law through loving relationships, including friendships.
54. 2 Timothy 2:22
“Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
Paul advises Timothy to seek friendships with those who pursue righteousness and love, highlighting the importance of surrounding oneself with godly influences.
55. Proverbs 11:13
“A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.”
This proverb warns against the betrayal of trust through gossip, emphasizing that true friends are trustworthy and respect confidences.
56. Romans 12:15
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
Paul encourages empathy in friendships, urging believers to share in the joys and sorrows of others, thus strengthening the bonds of love and friendship.
57. 1 Corinthians 16:14
“Do everything in love.”
Paul’s concise directive serves as a guiding principle for all actions, including those within friendships, ensuring that love is the motivating force behind everything.
58. Psalm 133:1
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
This psalm celebrates the beauty of unity among God’s people, which is fostered through love and friendship.
59. 2 John 1:5-6
“And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.”
John reiterates the command to love one another, emphasizing that love is demonstrated through obedience to God’s commands, a key aspect of maintaining godly friendships.
60. Micah 6:8
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Explanation: This verse encapsulates the principles that should guide all relationships, including friendships: justice, mercy, and humility before God.
