Celebrating friendship on National Girlfriends Day reminds us how important meaningful connections are in our lives. The Bible offers timeless wisdom about friendship , its value, qualities, and how true friends reflect God’s love.
Whether you’re honoring your closest girlfriends or simply appreciating the gift of friendship, these Bible verses will inspire you to nurture and cherish those special bonds. Let’s explore how Scripture encourages us to love, support, and uplift one another as we celebrate the blessing of friendship.
1. Encouragement Through Friendship: 1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Friendship thrives on encouragement and mutual support. This verse urges us to actively uplift our friends, fostering positivity and strength in one another. It highlights the role of friendship as a source of motivation and comfort, helping us face life’s obstacles with hope. Celebrating girlfriends means recognizing how much encouragement they bring, boosting our spirits when we need it most.
2. The Gift of a True Friend: Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
This verse reminds us that true friendship is unconditional and steadfast. A genuine friend sticks by you not just during the good times but especially in moments of hardship. Like family, close friends are meant to support and comfort us through life’s challenges, demonstrating unwavering love that mirrors God’s own faithfulness. On National Girlfriends Day, it’s a beautiful reminder to appreciate friends who stand beside us through thick and thin.
3. Choosing Friends Wisely: Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
The company we keep shapes who we become. This verse advises us to surround ourselves with wise and positive friends who inspire us to grow and improve. It’s a caution against negative influences and an encouragement to seek friendships that nurture wisdom and goodness. On this special day, think about the friends who have helped you become a better person and cherish those relationships deeply.
4. The Strength of Unity: 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 passage highlights the power of companionship and mutual support. Friends working together can achieve more and offer essential help during hard times. It shows that friendship is not just emotional but practical, a partnership where each person cares for the other's wellbeing. On National Girlfriends Day, this reminds us how vital our friends are in lifting us up and sharing life’s burdens.
5. Friends Reflect God’s Love: John 15:13
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Jesus speaks here about the ultimate expression of love, sacrificing for friends. True friendship involves selflessness and deep care. This verse encourages us to value and practice sacrificial love in our friendships, reflecting God’s own love for us. On National Girlfriends Day, it’s a powerful reminder that genuine friends go beyond convenience, they are willing to make sacrifices for one another.
6. Friendship Built on Truth: Proverbs 27:6
“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
Honesty is crucial in true friendship. This verse teaches that a real friend offers constructive criticism or tough love because they care about our growth and wellbeing. Unlike superficial relationships, genuine friends won’t simply flatter, they’ll lovingly tell us the truth. Celebrating girlfriends means appreciating those who help us become our best selves, even if it’s not always easy to hear.
7. Loyal Friends Are Priceless: 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 highlights how rare and valuable loyal friends are. While some friendships can be fleeting or unreliable, true friends remain steadfast, even closer than family at times. On this special day, it reminds us to treasure friends who are constant sources of support and love through life’s ups and downs.
8. A Friend’s Gentle Words: Proverbs 16:24
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
The kindness and encouragement we offer in friendship can bring great healing. This verse likens gentle words to honey, sweet and nourishing. It encourages us to speak life and love into our friends’ lives, providing comfort and strength. National Girlfriends Day is a perfect time to remember the power of kind, affirming words among friends.
9. Prayerful Friends: James 5:16
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
True friendship involves spiritual support as well. This verse reminds us to share openly and pray for one another, promoting healing and growth. Girlfriends who pray together strengthen their bond and invite God’s blessing into their relationship. It’s a beautiful way to nurture friendship beyond the surface.
10. Friendship is a Sacred Bond: Ruth 1:16
“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.’”
Ruth’s declaration to Naomi is a profound example of loyalty and commitment in friendship. This verse exemplifies a bond that transcends circumstances, showing devotion and steadfastness. On National Girlfriends Day, it inspires us to be faithful friends who stand by one another no matter what.
11. Comfort in Friendship: 2 Corinthians 1:4
“Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
Friends provide vital comfort during difficult times, mirroring God’s compassion. This verse reminds us that as we receive God’s comfort, we are called to extend that same compassion to our friends. It’s a beautiful cycle of support and empathy to celebrate on this special day.
12. Forgiving Friends: 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.”
No friendship is without challenges, and forgiveness is key. This verse encourages us to practice patience and grace, letting go of grudges just as God forgives us. On National Girlfriends Day, it reminds us to nurture friendships by choosing forgiveness and understanding.
13. Friendship Anchored in Faith: Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
True friends help us grow stronger by challenging, encouraging, and supporting us. This verse shows that friendship is a refining process that helps us become better versions of ourselves. Celebrating girlfriends means honoring those who push us toward personal and spiritual growth.
14. God’s Friendship is Our Model: Exodus 33:11
“The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.”
God’s relationship with Moses is described as friendship, showing the closeness and intimacy God desires with us. This verse teaches us about the depth and sincerity friendship can have when rooted in trust and honesty. It’s a reminder to cultivate friendships that reflect divine love and openness.
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
This verse beautifully captures empathy as a core part of friendship, sharing in both happiness and pain. It encourages us to be emotionally present and supportive, reflecting true companionship. On National Girlfriends Day, it’s a call to celebrate the full spectrum of friendship experiences.
16. Faithful Friends Provide Stability: Proverbs 20:6
“Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?”
Faithfulness is rare and precious in friendships. This verse reminds us to appreciate friends who consistently show loyalty and love. National Girlfriends Day is a perfect time to honor those who prove their faithfulness through actions, not just words.
17. Friendship as a Shelter: Psalm 91:4
“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”
Though this verse primarily describes God’s protection, it also reminds us that true friends offer refuge and safety. Good friends create a protective, comforting space where we can be vulnerable and secure. Celebrating girlfriends means recognizing those who are our safe havens.
18. Serving Friends with Humility: Galatians 5:13
“Serve one another humbly in love.”
Friendship flourishes when we serve each other selflessly and with humility. This verse calls us to put love into action by caring for our friends’ needs without pride or expectation. National Girlfriends Day is an opportunity to reflect on how we can serve our friends better.
19. Joyful Friendship: Proverbs 15:30
“A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.”
Friendship brings joy and vitality. This verse reminds us that the positivity and happiness friends share refresh our spirits. It encourages cultivating joyful, uplifting relationships that brighten our lives, perfect for celebrating girlfriends who light up our days.
20. Friends are God’s Blessing: Numbers 6:24-26
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
This blessing captures the heart of what friendship can be, a conduit for God’s grace and peace. Sharing this prayer on National Girlfriends Day is a beautiful way to honor friends as God’s gifts and sources of blessing.
21. Friendship Grows Through Sharing: 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.”
This verse encourages ongoing fellowship and mutual encouragement. True friendship involves regular connection and inspiration toward kindness and love. Celebrating girlfriends means committing to be present and proactive in nurturing these bonds.
22. Gentle Friendships: 1 Peter 3:8
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”
Friendship thrives in an atmosphere of sympathy, compassion, and humility. This verse calls us to cultivate these qualities to build gentle and loving friendships. It’s a beautiful blueprint for honoring girlfriends with kindness and understanding.
23. Friendship Sustained by Hope: Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Hope is a powerful ingredient in friendship, sustaining us through trials and uncertainty. This verse offers a prayer for joy, peace, and hope, reflecting the spiritual foundation that strengthens friendships. National Girlfriends Day is a great moment to wish this blessing upon your friends.
24. A Friend’s Counsel is Precious: Proverbs 27:9
“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”
Good friends offer wise counsel that delights and guides us. This verse compares heartfelt advice to sweet fragrance, showing how valuable and uplifting honest guidance from friends can be. Cherish girlfriends who share wisdom with kindness and care.
25. Friendship as a Reflection of God’s Love: 1 John 4:7
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”
This verse sums up the essence of friendship, love that originates from God. When we love our friends, we reflect God’s nature and deepen our own relationship with Him. On National Girlfriends Day, celebrate the divine love woven through your friendships.
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.