Dictionary of Bible Themes: 5691 friends, good

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