God bestows friendship as a priceless gift that enriches our lives with happiness, support, and encouragement. The value of genuine company and the advantages of having godly friendships are emphasized throughout the Bible. A true friend is a source of strength and a mirror of God’s love, whether in happy or difficult times. Bible verses about thankful for friendship serves as a reminder to treasure the relationships that bind us to God and to one another, and to be thankful for the people in our life.
Appreciating friendships entails appreciating the importance of the bonds that mold us. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another,” according to Proverbs 27:17. Friendships support our spiritual development, character development, and growth. We are fortified in our spiritual journey, reminded of God’s goodness, and inspired to continue in love and righteousness when we surround ourselves with godly people.
The strength of loyalty, generosity, and love is demonstrated by the numerous instances of strong, lasting friendships found throughout the Bible. Faith-based friendships are transforming and life-giving, as demonstrated by David and Jonathan’s unbreakable tie with Jesus and His disciples. True friends support one another through all stages of life, offer sage advice, and encourage one another. To acknowledge God’s hand in bringing these relationships into our lives is to be grateful for them.
In addition to being a biblical precept, showing gratitude for friendships is a means of fostering closer, more meaningful bonds. We exhibit Christ’s love when we recognize and value the friends who support us. As we examine Bible passages that express gratitude for friendship, we will discover how God’s Word instructs us to value, care for, and respect these connections with kindness and appreciation.
30 Inspiring Bible Verses About Thankful For Friendship in 2025
1. Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
True friendship is built on love, loyalty, and support. This verse reminds us that a genuine friend remains steadfast in all circumstances, not just during moments of joy but also in times of hardship. Friends who stand by us through difficulties are blessings from God, and we should be thankful for their unwavering presence in our lives.
2. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”
Friendship provides strength, encouragement, and support. God designed relationships to be a source of help and stability. This verse reminds us to appreciate the friends who lift us up when we are weak, offering us a helping hand just as we are called to do for others.
3. John 15:13
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Jesus defines the highest form of friendship as sacrificial love. True friends put each other’s needs before their own, just as Christ did for us. We should be grateful for friendships that reflect this kind of selfless love, as they are a beautiful representation of God’s grace in our lives.
4. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
A strong friendship is one where encouragement and support are at its core. This verse reminds us to express gratitude for friends who uplift us and strengthen our faith. Their words and actions shape our spiritual journey, making them valuable gifts from God.
5. Proverbs 27:9
“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”
Just as fragrance delights the senses, wise and sincere words from a true friend bring joy and guidance. Having a friend who offers counsel with love and honesty is a blessing that should never be taken for granted.
6. Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Friendships are strengthened through grace and forgiveness. No relationship is perfect, but God calls us to extend the same mercy to our friends as He extends to us. Thankfulness for friendship includes valuing the ability to forgive and grow together.
7. Job 6:14
“Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.”
Friendship is rooted in kindness and compassion. When we show love and patience to our friends, we honor God’s design for relationships. Being thankful for friendship means cherishing the kindness that makes these bonds meaningful.
8. Philippians 1:3
“I thank my God every time I remember you.”
This verse is a beautiful reminder to express gratitude for our friends. Paul’s words show how deeply he valued and appreciated the companionship of fellow believers. In the same way, we should regularly thank God for the friends who enrich our lives.
9. Proverbs 18:24
“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
True friends are loyal and dependable, offering love and support even closer than family at times. When we have friends who remain steadfast in our lives, we should express gratitude for their faithfulness.
10. Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
God calls us to value and respect our friends, showing them love and appreciation. Thankfulness for friendship means prioritizing their well-being and celebrating the bond that brings us closer to Christ.
11. 1 Samuel 18:1
“After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.”
Jonathan and David’s friendship exemplifies true devotion and love. Their bond was built on trust, sacrifice, and loyalty. When we experience such friendships, we should be grateful for the blessing of genuine companionship.
12. Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Friendship involves sharing joys and struggles. God calls us to bear each other’s burdens, and when we have friends who help us through difficult times, we should express our gratitude for them.
13. Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.”
Friendships that encourage spiritual growth are invaluable. We should be thankful for friends who inspire us to pursue righteousness and deepen our faith.
14. Proverbs 22:11
“One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend.”
Good friendships are built on integrity and grace. Thankfulness for friendship means appreciating friends who bring wisdom and goodness into our lives.
15. Ephesians 4:2-3
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Friendships thrive on humility, patience, and love. Expressing gratitude for true friends includes recognizing the peace and unity they bring into our lives.
16. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
Friendship is a reflection of godly love. A true friend is patient, kind, and forgiving. This verse reminds us to appreciate friendships where love is demonstrated in actions, strengthening our relationships and glorifying God.
17. 1 Peter 4:8-10
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
Friendship flourishes in an atmosphere of love and service. When friends forgive, support, and care for each other, they honor God. We should be thankful for friends who offer grace and kindness, reflecting God’s love.
18. Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
Friendship has a powerful influence on our lives. Godly friendships encourage wisdom and righteousness. Being grateful for good friends means acknowledging how they positively shape our faith and choices.
19. Luke 6:31
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
A strong friendship is built on mutual kindness and respect. This verse teaches us to treat our friends with love and fairness. Thanking God for friendships also means striving to be a good friend in return.
20. James 2:23
“And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,’ and he was called God’s friend.”
God desires friendship with His people. Abraham’s faith led to a close relationship with God, just as trust strengthens our friendships. We should be grateful for friends who encourage our faith and draw us closer to God.
21. Philippians 2:3-4
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Friendship is about selflessness and care. We should appreciate friends who prioritize love over pride and who support us in times of need.
22. 1 John 4:7
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”
Friendships are rooted in love, which comes from God. A true friend reflects God’s love in their actions, and we should cherish and give thanks for such relationships.
23. Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Godly friendships strengthen and challenge us to grow. Friends who encourage, correct, and uplift us are blessings from God. We should recognize and appreciate those who help refine our character and faith.
24. Romans 15:5-6
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
A good friendship reflects Christ’s love. When friends live in unity and support each other, they bring glory to God. Gratitude for friendship means valuing the encouragement and strength we receive from those close to us.
25. 2 Timothy 1:3-4
“I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy.”
Paul’s words to Timothy show deep gratitude for friendship. This verse encourages us to appreciate friends who bring joy and to keep them in our prayers.
26. Proverbs 19:20
“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.”
True friends offer wisdom and guidance. We should be grateful for friends who give honest advice, helping us grow spiritually and make wise choices.
27. Zechariah 8:16
“These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts.”
A strong friendship is built on honesty and integrity. Friends who speak truthfully and guide us righteously are a great blessing.
28. Colossians 2:2
“My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ.”
Friendship is a source of encouragement and unity. We should thank God for friends who uplift and inspire us in faith and love.
29. Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
Friendship centered on God is powerful. When we join together in faith, God’s presence strengthens our bond. Giving thanks for friendships that help us grow spiritually is an act of gratitude.
30. 1 Corinthians 1:9
“God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”
The greatest friendship we can have is with Christ. Our earthly friendships reflect God’s love when they are built on faith, kindness, and selflessness. Being thankful for true friends reminds us of God’s faithfulness.
Conclusion
The Bible teaches us the value of cherishing and fostering friendships, which are a priceless gift from God. God’s love for us is reflected in true friendships, which are based on love, trust, and support for one another. We were reminded by the verses we studied to be thankful for friends who support, encourage, and deepen our religion. Godly connections remind us that we are never alone, help us grow as people, and offer guidance when we need it. We develop an attitude of thankfulness and show our appreciation by deeds of kindness, prayer, and support when we see the importance of these connections.
As we consider these Bible verses on being grateful for friendship, let’s make an effort to be the unselfish, loving, and forgiving sort of friend that God invites us to be. As Christ is our best friend, we ought to emulate His love in our interpersonal interactions, giving everyone around us courage and happiness. Faith-based friendships glorify God and improve our lives in a variety of ways. I pray that we will always treasure the friends God has given us, be grateful for their presence, and work to be a benefit to them in return.
