Friendship
“Friendship, affectionate regard”
Summary
A relationship of mutual affection, trust, and loyalty between individuals, highly esteemed in Scripture though subordinate to friendship with God, and demonstrated in notable biblical examples.
☩Nature of Biblical Friendship
Friendship was highly valued in both ancient and biblical cultures. It involves mutual attachment arising from common aims, affection, and respect for admirable qualities. Scripture teaches its value: 'A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity' (Proverbs 17:17). True friendship requires openness, loyalty through difficulty, and willingness not to desert friends in danger. Christianity enlarged the concept by extending benevolence universally, making friendship a responsibility rather than merely a luxury.
☩Biblical Examples
David and Jonathan exemplify devoted friendship, with a love surpassing that of women (1 Samuel 18:1-4, 2 Samuel 1:26). Ruth's loyalty to Naomi demonstrates friendship transcending family obligation (Ruth 1:16-17). Job's friends came to comfort him in his distress (Job 2:11-13). Jesus maintained close friendships with Lazarus, Martha, and Mary (John 11:5), and demonstrated ultimate friendship by laying down His life for His friends (John 15:13).
☩Divine Friendship
The supreme friendship is with God. Abraham was uniquely honored as 'the friend of God' (James 2:23, Isaiah 41:8), a title indicating deep trust and intimate relationship. Jesus elevated His disciples: 'Henceforth I call you not servants... but I have called you friends' (John 15:15). This divine friendship takes precedence over human relationships, and 'friendship with the world is enmity with God' (James 4:4). True friendship with God requires obedience: 'Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you' (John 15:14).
Related Verses53 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.James Hastings (ed.), "Friendship," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).
- 2.Charles Buck, "Friendship," in A Theological Dictionary (Charles Buck (London), 1802).
- 3.Philip Schaff and Johann Herzog (ed.), "FRIENDSHIP," in The New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge, vol. IV (Funk and Wagnalls, 1908–1914).