Dictionary of Bible Themes 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. 1 Samuel 18:1-3Examples of good friends See also David and Jonathan 1 Samuel 20:17,422 Samuel 1:26 Job 2:11 Job's friends Ruth 1:16-17Ruth and Naomi Romans 16:3-5See also Paul's friends in ministry 2 Corinthians 2:12-13Philippians 2:25 Titus Colossians 4:7Epaphroditus Colossians 4:14Tychicus 2 Timothy 1:2-4Luke Philemon 1:1Timothy 1 Samuel 22:23Philemon Other examples 2 Samuel 10:2David and Abiathar 2 Samuel 15:19-21David and Nahash 2 Samuel 15:32-37David and Ittai 1 Kings 5:1David and Hushai 2 Kings 2:2David and Hiram 2 Kings 10:15Elijah and Elisha Mark 2:3-4Jehonadab and Jehu the friends who brought the paralysed man to Jesus Christ Job 2:11-13The benefits brought by good friends See also Comfort and sympathy Proverbs 17:171 Samuel 23:16-17 Proverbs 18:24 Support and encouragement Ecclesiastes 4:9-10See also Proverbs 27:10Ecclesiastes 4:11-12 Amos 3:3 Matthew 27:55-56; 28:1 Romans 1:11-12 John 15:13 See also Sacrificial service Romans 5:7Luke 15:5 Romans 12:15 Shared joy and sorrow Proverbs 27:6,9Ephesians 4:15 Loving rebuke Romans 14:13Hebrews 10:24 Encouragement in good works Proverbs 27:17Challenge Psalms 119:63Good friendship among believers See also Unity in the love and fear of the LORD Malachi 3:16Philippians 4:1 Psalms 55:13-14; 133:1 Acts 2:42-43,46-47 Worshipping together Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35; 11:29Sharing possessions Galatians 2:8-9Philippians 1:3-5 Serving together Job 42:102 Thessalonians 1:11-12 Praying for one another James 5:16Romans 12:18 Philippians 4:2-3 Living peaceably Proverbs 10:12; 16:28; 17:9Covering sins 1 Corinthians 13:61 Peter 4:8 A friend does not stir up trouble by spreading details of wrongs suffered, but rather seeks reconciliation Galatians 6:1-2James 5:19-20 Restoring from sin Matthew 11:19Jesus Christ is the friend of sinners See also pp Lk 7:34 5089 David, significance5108 Paul, life of 5874 happiness 5895 intimacy 8122 friendship with God 8252 faithfulness, relationships 8288 joy of Israel 8292 love 8304 loyalty 8414 encouragement 8445 hospitality 8475 self-denial |
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