17 Bible Verse for Friendship Thankful for That Will Warm Your Heart
Friendship is one of the most cherished gifts God gives us. Whether it’s a lifelong companion or someone who walked with us through a specific season, friends enrich our lives in beautiful, meaningful ways.
The Bible is filled with wisdom about friendship—how to value it, nurture it, and give thanks for it. In this post, I’ve gathered 17 powerful verses that highlight the beauty of godly friendship and why we should be thankful for those people who walk alongside us in love, truth, and grace.
1. A Friend Who Sticks Closer Than Family: Proverbs 18:24
“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
True friendship isn’t about quantity—it’s about quality. This verse reminds us that one genuine friend can be more faithful and supportive than even family. In times of difficulty, it’s not the number of people around us that matters, but the loyalty and presence of someone who stands by us. This kind of friend is a rare blessing, and we should be deeply thankful for them.
2. The Power of Shared Burdens: Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
One of the most profound aspects of friendship is sharing life’s struggles together. Galatians 6:2 encourages us to walk alongside our friends, helping them carry the heavy loads they face. In doing so, we reflect the heart of Christ. When we have friends who support us through trials—and when we do the same—we become living expressions of God’s love and grace.
3. The Gift of Soul-Sharpening Friendship: Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Good friends don’t just comfort us—they challenge us to grow. Proverbs 27:17 highlights the transformative nature of true friendship. A godly friend helps refine our character, encourages our spiritual journey, and keeps us accountable. Thankfulness for a friend who sharpens us is a recognition of how valuable and rare such friendship truly is.
4. Friends Who Encourage and Build Up: 1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Friendship flourishes through encouragement. This verse reminds us to be intentional about uplifting our friends. When we cheer on each other’s successes, offer kind words in struggles, and build confidence, we reflect God’s love in action. Being thankful for friends who build us up reminds us of the importance of mutual support and grace.
5. The Blessing of Loyal Friends: Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
Loyalty in friendship is a precious gift. Proverbs 17:17 shows us that true friends love consistently, not only in good times but especially during hardships. Knowing we have a friend who remains steadfast brings comfort and security. Recognizing this blessing encourages gratitude for friends who never give up on us.
6. True Friends Speak the Truth in Love: Ephesians 4:15
“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”
Honesty is a vital component of friendship. This verse points out that true friends lovingly speak truth to each other, helping one another grow spiritually and emotionally. Being thankful for friends who speak truth with kindness means valuing authentic, caring relationships that foster growth.
7. Friendship Rooted in God’s Love: John 15:13
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Jesus sets the ultimate example of friendship through sacrificial love. John 15:13 reminds us that the deepest form of friendship is willing to put others before ourselves, even to the point of sacrifice. When we reflect on this verse, we appreciate friends who love us selflessly and strive to do the same for them.
8. The Strength Found in Companionship: 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.”
This verse beautifully captures how friendship makes life’s challenges more bearable. Together, friends can accomplish more and provide support during tough times. Being thankful for a friend means recognizing the strength and comfort found in companionship.
9. Wisdom From a Friend’s Counsel: Proverbs 27:9
“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”
Friends not only provide emotional support but also wise counsel. Proverbs 27:9 highlights how genuine advice from a trusted friend brings joy and peace to our hearts. Gratitude for friends who offer thoughtful guidance enriches our lives immeasurably.
10. Friends Who Pray for One Another: James 5:16
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”
Prayer is a powerful expression of care in friendship. James 5:16 encourages us to open up to trusted friends and pray for one another’s healing and growth. Being thankful for praying friends means appreciating the spiritual bond that uplifts us beyond what words alone can do.
11. Friendship Marked by Kindness: Proverbs 11:17
“Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.”
Kindness is at the heart of godly friendship. This verse reminds us that being kind to friends not only blesses them but also enriches our own lives. Thankfulness for kind friends means celebrating the gentle love that makes relationships flourish.
12. The Joy of Friendship: Psalm 133:1
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
Psalm 133:1 celebrates the joy that comes when friends and community dwell together in harmony. The happiness and peace that arise from unity are a reason to give thanks for friendships that reflect God’s perfect love.
13. Friends Who Support in Trials: Romans 12:15
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
Romans 12:15 reminds us of the empathy that true friends show. Celebrating joy and sharing sorrow together builds deep bonds. Being thankful for empathetic friends means valuing those who walk alongside us in every season of life.
14. The Value of a Faithful Friend: Proverbs 20:6
“Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?”
Faithfulness is a rare and precious quality. This verse challenges us to recognize and appreciate the friends who are consistently loyal and loving. Thankfulness for faithful friends acknowledges the blessing of reliability and steadfast love.
15. Friendship as a Reflection of God’s Grace: 1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'”
While this verse warns about harmful friendships, it also implies the importance of choosing friends who encourage godliness. Thankfulness for godly friends means appreciating relationships that uplift our character and reflect God’s grace.
16. Friendship Built on Shared Faith: 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… but encouraging one another…”
This passage encourages believers to nurture their friendships through mutual encouragement and faithfulness. Thankfulness for friends who share our faith reminds us of the spiritual strength found in Christian fellowship.
17. Eternal Friendship in Christ: Revelation 3:20
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”
Jesus’ promise to be present with us is the ultimate friendship. This verse reminds us that beyond earthly friendships, the greatest relationship is with Christ Himself. Being thankful for friends includes remembering that God’s presence is our eternal companion and source of love.
