“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” – Proverbs 17:17
bible verses about appreciation for friends
Friendship as a Gift
We often overlook the beauty of friendship in our lives, but the Bible reminds us that having friends is a tremendous blessing. Friends can be lifesavers during our difficult moments, and they bring joy into our lives on ordinary days. With friends, we share joys, sorrows, success, and challenges. God has woven friendships into the fabric of our lives to encourage and support us. Understanding that friendship is one of the loveliest gifts we’ve received encourages us to nurture those relationships and express our gratitude towards them.
Ecclesiastes 4:9
“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
John 15:13
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” – John 15:13
Proverbs 18:24
“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” – Proverbs 18:24
Proverbs 27:6
“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” – Proverbs 27:6
Encouragement through Friendship
Friends are not just companions; they are an empowering force that can lift us when we are down. As we navigate through life’s ups and downs, having supportive friends can make all the difference. The Bible teaches us to encourage one another and build each other up. This encouragement works both ways. When we appreciate our friends and encourage them, we also create an uplifting atmosphere for ourselves. Friends provide us a sense of belonging and help us grow in faith and character, reminding us of God’s love.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Hebrews 10:24
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Romans 15:2
“Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.” – Romans 15:2
Proverbs 12:25
“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” – Proverbs 12:25
Faithful Friends
Being a faithful friend can change circumstances, particularly during trying times. Loyalty is one of the most valued aspects of friendship described in the Bible. We see the importance of being there for each other, staying committed and nurturing the friendship. Each moment spent supporting and appreciating faithful friends is a testament of love and faithfulness. As we focus on cultivating these traits in ourselves towards our friends, we deepen our bond and mirror the faithfulness of God in our relationships.
Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” – Proverbs 17:17
Luke 6:31
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” – Luke 6:31
Job 6:14
“Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.” – Job 6:14
Proverbs 27:10
“Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family, and do not go to your brother’s house when disaster strikes you; better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.” – Proverbs 27:10
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.” – 1 Corinthians 15:33
Showing Gratitude to Friends
Expressing appreciation for our friends promotes a deeper and more meaningful connection. Gratitude opens our hearts and enables us to acknowledge all the little things that our friends do daily, often without expecting any reward. The Bible offers countless reminders to give thanks for those around us and to be grateful for their support and kindness. When we take a moment to express how much we appreciate our friends, it strengthens our bond and brings joy not only to them but also to ourselves.
Ephesians 1:16
“I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” – Ephesians 1:16
Philippians 1:3
“I thank my God every time I remember you.” – Philippians 1:3
Colossians 3:15
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” – Colossians 3:15
1 Thessalonians 1:2
“We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers.” – 1 Thessalonians 1:2
Psalms 107:1
“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” – Psalms 107:1
Friends in Times of Trouble
We all face difficulties at some point in our lives, and this is when true friends shine through. The Bible teaches us about the importance of standing together in times of adversity. Friends are priceless during hard times, as they help carry our burdens, offer comforting words, and provide emotional support. Recognizing friends’ roles during troubling moments helps us appreciate them more deeply and allows us to be there for others when they face challenges as well.
Romans 12:15
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” – Romans 12:15
Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9
2 Corinthians 1:4
“Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble.” – 2 Corinthians 1:4
Proverbs 15:13
“A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.” – Proverbs 15:13
Ecclesiastes 4:10
“If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them.” – Ecclesiastes 4:10
Celebrating Friends
Friends deserve to be celebrated. Just as we value their support, we must also celebrate their achievements, milestones, and special moments in their lives. The Bible encourages us to rejoice together, and that means acknowledging and applauding our friends’ successes. Whether it is a promotion at work, a personal achievement, or a significant life event, taking the time to celebrate these moments strengthens our friendships and promotes lasting bonds. Appreciating friends openly by expressing joy for their successes is a great way to build happiness in our relationships.
Psalms 122:1
“I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the LORD.'” – Psalms 122:1
Philippians 2:4
“Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” – Philippians 2:4
Proverbs 15:23
“A person finds joy in giving an apt reply—and how good is a timely word!” – Proverbs 15:23
1 Corinthians 12:26
“If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” – 1 Corinthians 12:26
2 John 1:4
“It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us.” – 2 John 1:4
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the power of friendship, we realize that it’s indeed a precious gift bestowed upon us by God. Each verse we’ve explored reminds us to appreciate our friends, to encourage them, and to stand by them, particularly in tough times. When we celebrate the good moments together and offer support during hardships, we create bonds that are not easily broken. Our friendships can turn into lifelines for us and our friends, reinforcing our shared faith and deepening our connections. Let’s strive to cherish our friends and share our gratitude openly.
Friendship is a two-way street, creating a cycle of love and support. So as we continue in our friendships, let us be intentional about letting our friends know how much we appreciate them. If you’d like to discover more about other heartwarming topics, check out some Bible verses about love and encouragement or explore Bible verses about kindness and generosity. We can find many ways to express love in our lives.