5691 friends, good
Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5650 Human relationships  »  5690 friends  »  5691 friends, good

Those whose commitment from the heart is shown in practical, often sacrificial, care, love and service. They are a source of encouragement, sympathy, comfort and support in time of need. Such relationships are to be cultivated, especially among believers.

Examples of good friends

David and Jonathan

1 Samuel 18:1-3 See also 1 Samuel 20:17,42; 2 Samuel 1:26

Job's friends

Job 2:11

Ruth and Naomi

Ruth 1:16-17

Paul's friends in ministry

Romans 16:3-5 See also 2 Corinthians 2:12-13 Titus; Philippians 2:25 Epaphroditus; Colossians 4:7 Tychicus; Colossians 4:14 Luke; 2 Timothy 1:2-4 Timothy; Philemon 1 Philemon

Other examples

1 Samuel 22:23 David and Abiathar; 2 Samuel 10:2 David and Nahash; 2 Samuel 15:19-21 David and Ittai; 2 Samuel 15:32-37 David and Hushai; 1 Kings 5:1 David and Hiram; 2 Kings 2:2 Elijah and Elisha; 2 Kings 10:15 Jehonadab and Jehu; Mark 2:3-4 the friends who brought the paralysed man to Jesus Christ

The benefits brought by good friends

Comfort and sympathy

Job 2:11-13 See also Proverbs 17:17

Support and encouragement

1 Samuel 23:16-17; Proverbs 18:24; Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 See also Proverbs 27:10; Ecclesiastes 4:11-12; Amos 3:3; Matthew 27:55-56; Matthew 28:1; Romans 1:11-12

Sacrificial service

John 15:13 See also Romans 5:7

Shared joy and sorrow

Luke 15:5; Romans 12:15

Loving rebuke

Proverbs 27:6,9; Ephesians 4:15

Encouragement in good works

Romans 14:13; Hebrews 10:24

Challenge

Proverbs 27:17

Good friendship among believers

Unity in the love and fear of the LORD

Psalm 119:63 See also Malachi 3:16; Philippians 4:1

Worshipping together

Psalm 55:13-14; Psalm 133:1; Acts 2:42-43,46-47

Sharing possessions

Acts 2:44-45; Acts 4:32-35; Acts 11:29

Serving together

Galatians 2:8-9; Philippians 1:3-5

Praying for one another

Job 42:10; 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12; James 5:16

Living peaceably

Romans 12:18; Philippians 4:2-3

Covering sins

Proverbs 10:12; Proverbs 16:28; Proverbs 17:9 A friend does not stir up trouble by spreading details of wrongs suffered, but rather seeks reconciliation; 1 Corinthians 13:6; 1 Peter 4:8

Restoring from sin

Galatians 6:1-2; James 5:19-20

Jesus Christ is the friend of sinners

Matthew 11:19 pp Luke 7:34

See also

5086  David, rise of
5108  Paul, life of
5874  happiness
5895  intimacy
8122  friendship with God
8252  faithfulness, relationships
8287  joy, experience
8292  love
8304  loyalty
8414  encouragement
8445  hospitality
8475  self-denial



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