I've been on several mission trips outside the USA and one thing I've noticed is their close relationships with each other. Technology has connected us with hundreds or thousands of "friends" but we've become disconnected with people we should be close to. That got me thinking about today's post, what the Bible says about creating friendships that last and how to grow them. Let me know what you think in the comments.
In today’s world, people are more connected than ever through phones and social media, yet loneliness is at an all-time high. The Bible doesn’t encourage us to surround ourselves with hundreds of acquaintances; instead, it teaches us the value of cultivating a few close, God-centered friendships and working hard to maintain them.
What the Bible Says About Friendship
Scripture highlights the importance of deep, trustworthy friends:
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Proverbs 17:17 – “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” True friends stick with us through both joy and hardship.
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Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow.” Companionship provides strength, accountability, and encouragement.
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Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Good friends challenge us spiritually, morally, and emotionally.
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John 15:13 – Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” The model of friendship Christ gave us is sacrificial love.
The Bible reminds us that friendship is not about numbers—it’s about depth, loyalty, and Christlike love.
Why Close Friendships Matter
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Strength in Trials – Life is hard. Having two or three friends who truly know you means you don’t walk through valleys alone.
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Spiritual Growth – Friends help us stay accountable, pray for us, and point us back to Christ when we wander.
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Encouragement and Joy – Shared laughter, encouragement in goals, and celebrating victories together makes life richer.
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Legacy – Close friends help us shape not only our own lives but also the lives of our children and communities through faith-filled influence.
Building and Maintaining Close Friendships
Close friendships don’t just “happen.” They require intentionality and effort. Here are some biblical and practical steps:
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Be intentional – Proverbs 18:24 reminds us, “A man who has friends must himself be friendly.” Friendships start with us reaching out.
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Be present – Show up in both good times and bad. Don’t just send a text—make the phone call, bring the meal, sit with them in their grief.
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Be honest – True friends speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). Don’t just flatter; sharpen.
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Be forgiving – Every friendship has bumps. Grace and forgiveness are essential to long-term relationships.
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Make time – Like marriage, friendships require nurturing. Put coffee dates, calls, or shared activities on the calendar.
The Hard Work of Friendship
Friendship is not passive, it’s a commitment. Just like marriage or family, if you neglect it, it will wither. Strong Christian friendships are spiritual investments: they take time, prayer, patience, and sometimes even sacrifice. But the return is immeasurable, a few loyal, Christ-centered friends you can count on will carry you further than a crowd of casual acquaintances ever could.
Closing Thought: Jesus Himself, though surrounded by many followers, poured into just a few—Peter, James, and John. If the Son of God valued a handful of close friendships, shouldn’t we?
A few resources if you would like to learn more
• The power of Friendship - How to build unbreakable bonds and foster lifelong connections.
• Teens' Guide to Making Friends: Make Friends With Confidence, Navigate Awkward Situations, and Why Mistakes Aren't the End of the World (Teens' Guide series)
