Friendship is one of the most cherished gifts God blesses us with. Whether it's someone who listens without judgment, prays with us through trials, or celebrates our victories, true friends are rare treasures.
Scripture offers timeless wisdom on the beauty of friendship and reminds us to be thankful for the people who walk beside us in love and faith. Here are 16 Bible verses that celebrate friendship and the gratitude that comes with it.
1. A Friend Who Sticks Closer Than a Brother: Proverbs 18:24
"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."
This verse reminds us that while acquaintances may come and go, a true friend is dependable and loyal. These friends are often closer than even family members, offering unwavering support in life’s highs and lows. It teaches us to be thankful for the deep, faithful friendships that stand firm through all seasons.
2. Two Are Better Than One: 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."
This passage emphasizes the value of partnership and companionship. Friends help carry our burdens and lift us when we fall. Life was never meant to be lived alone, and true friendship provides strength, encouragement, and shared joy. It's a powerful reminder to thank God for the friends who are always there to help us stand tall again.
3. Encouragement in Fellowship: 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… but encouraging one another."
Friendship rooted in faith has the beautiful purpose of mutual encouragement. When we gather with friends who love the Lord, we grow stronger in our faith and character. This verse urges us to appreciate those who lift us up spiritually and remind us to be intentional in nurturing those relationships.
4. The Value of Loyal Friendship: Proverbs 17:17
"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity."
True friendship isn't seasonal; it's steadfast through joy and hardship. This proverb speaks to the loyalty and love that characterize genuine friends. When times get tough, these are the people who stay. It's a beautiful truth that invites us to reflect with gratitude on friends who love us no matter the circumstances.
5. Healing Through Honesty: Proverbs 27:6
"Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses."
Sometimes the best friends are the ones who speak hard truths. This verse shows that authentic friendship involves honesty, even when it's uncomfortable. Rather than flattery, a good friend cares enough to correct with love. Be thankful for friends who value your growth over your comfort.
6. Jesus Calls Us Friends: John 15:15
"I no longer call you servants… Instead, I have called you friends."
This is one of the most profound declarations in Scripture, Jesus calls us His friends. He models what true friendship looks like: love, sacrifice, and deep connection. Knowing that the Savior of the world calls us friends should fill us with gratitude and inspire how we treat our earthly friendships.
7. Refreshing Souls: Proverbs 27:9
"Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice."
The joy and comfort of a wise friend are compared to sweet fragrance. A friend who offers kind words and genuine support can lift our spirits like nothing else. It’s a poetic reminder to cherish and thank God for the people whose very presence brings peace and joy.
8. Walking Together in Unity: Amos 3:3
"Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?"
This verse speaks to the power of aligned hearts and minds. Strong friendships are built on shared values, beliefs, and intentions. Walking in unity with a friend makes life’s journey richer and more meaningful. It calls us to appreciate those whose paths align with ours in harmony and purpose.
9. Sharpening Each Other: Proverbs 27:17
"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."
Friendship isn’t just about comfort, it’s about challenge and growth. When we spend time with wise, faithful friends, we grow sharper and stronger. This verse reminds us to value those who refine us spiritually and emotionally, and to be thankful for the mutual growth good friendships bring.
10. Friendship Born of Sacrifice: John 15:13
"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."
This powerful verse defines the ultimate expression of love in friendship, sacrifice. Jesus not only said this but lived it. While we may not be called to give our lives, true friendship often involves selflessness. Let’s thank God for friends who show sacrificial love in big and small ways.
11. Choosing Friends Wisely: Proverbs 13:20
"Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm."
This verse stresses the importance of surrounding ourselves with wise and godly people. Friends shape our thoughts, behaviors, and direction. Gratitude for good friends should be paired with discernment in choosing them. Thank God for the friends who lead you toward wisdom and not away from it.
12. Bearing Each Other’s Burdens: Galatians 6:2
"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
True friends don’t just celebrate with us, they help us carry the weight of life. This verse highlights the Christ-like nature of helping one another in love. Friends who support us in trials reflect the heart of Jesus, and we should thank God for their strength and compassion.
13. Comfort in Companionship: Job 2:11
"When Job’s three friends… heard about all the troubles… they set out from their homes… to comfort him."
Though Job’s friends later faltered, their initial reaction was beautiful: they came to be with him. Sometimes, the best thing a friend can do is simply show up. This verse reminds us to be thankful for the friends who are there, even when words fall short.
14. Godly Friendship Brings Joy: Philippians 1:3-5
"I thank my God every time I remember you… because of your partnership in the gospel."
Paul’s deep gratitude for his friends in ministry shines in this verse. Godly friendships rooted in shared purpose and love are powerful and joyful. It’s a heartfelt example of how we, too, should pause and thank God for those who walk beside us in faith.
15. Love Covers Faults: Proverbs 10:12
"Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs."
No friendship is perfect, but love makes grace possible. This verse shows that friendship fueled by love leads to forgiveness, not division. Gratitude for our friends includes recognizing the ways they forgive us and the ways we are called to forgive them.
16. Faithful Friends Strengthen Us: 1 Thessalonians 5:11
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
Friendship is not static, it’s a continual act of building up and encouragement. This verse reminds us that we’re meant to strengthen one another daily. Be thankful for friends who encourage your heart, lift your spirit, and point you back to hope.
Anne Kostick has been Editor-in-Chief since September 2007. Previously, Anne was a principal at Foxpath IND, a publishing, consulting and editorial services company specializing in the transition to and from traditional content publishing and online content management, development and publishing. Her clients included trade book publishers, technology and financial services Web sites, and arts and cultural institutions. Previously, she worked as Licensing and Product Development Director, Senior Acquisitions Editor and Director of Electronic Publishing for Workman Publishing, and as Senior Acquisitions Editor for Harry N. Abrams/Stewart, Tabori & Chang. In the online world she worked as Director of Content Development for Vitaminshoppe.com. Anne has a B.A. in Greek and Latin, with a minor in Theater, from Beloit College. She is the author of several books for children, as well as a definitive collection of jokes.