5 Powerful Bible Stories About Friendship

Friendship is one of life's greatest gifts, and the Bible is full of stories that show us the power and importance of having good friends.

In these Bible stories about friendship, we can learn how to be a good friend, how to choose our friends wisely, and how to trust in God to help us through the friendships we build.

Let's dive into some amazing Bible stories that teach us about the value of friendship, and remember, even when things get hard, true friends stick together through thick and thin!

Jonathan and David: A Friendship Stronger Than Armor

"After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return home to his family. And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt." (1 Samuel 18:1-4)

Long ago, in the land of Israel, there was a young man named David who had great faith in God. He became famous when he defeated a giant warrior named Goliath with just a slingshot and a stone. After this, King Saul's son, Jonathan, became very close friends with David.

Their friendship was so strong that Jonathan, who was a prince, gave David his very own royal robe, armor, and weapons. It was his way of showing David that he was more than a friend; he was like a brother. Even when King Saul was jealous and wanted to harm David, Jonathan protected him, helping him to escape and stay safe.

Key Takeaways

• True friendship involves loyalty and self-sacrifice.
• A good friend defends and stands up for their friends.
• God brings people into our lives to support us, just like Jonathan was there for David.

Ruth and Naomi: Where You Go, I Will Go

"But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go, I will go; and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God, my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me."" (Ruth 1:16-17)

In the story of Ruth and Naomi, we learn about the loyalty that comes with friendship. Naomi was an older woman who lost her husband and her two sons. One of her daughters-in-law, Ruth, chose to stay with Naomi even when she could have returned to her family.

Ruth's dedication to Naomi showed her love and loyalty. She went with Naomi to a new land and worked hard to care for both of them. Because of Ruth’s kindness, God blessed her with a new husband, Boaz, and she became the great-grandmother of King David.

Key Takeaways

• True friends stay by your side through difficult times.
• Love and loyalty in friendship are rewarded.
• Friendship often requires us to make sacrifices for the well-being of others.

Daniel and His Friends: Strength in Numbers

"Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, "King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the faith we have in our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from Your Majesty's hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."" (Daniel 3:16-18)

Daniel and his friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, were captured and taken to Babylon. But their faith in God kept them together, and they supported each other in not eating the king's food that went against their beliefs.

Their friendship was truly tested when the king built a golden statue and ordered everyone to worship it. Daniel's friends refused to worship the idol and were thrown into a blazing furnace. But God protected them, and not even a single hair on their heads was singed. Their friendship and faith saved them, and the king praised their God.

Key Takeaways

• Standing together with friends can give you strength in hard times.
• True friends respect and support each other’s beliefs.
• God honors those who stand firm in their faith and friendship.

See also: The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego

Jesus and Lazarus: The Friend Who Gives Life

"When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. "Where have you laid him?" he asked. "Come and see, Lord," they replied. Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, "See how he loved him!"" (John 11:33-36)

Jesus had a very dear friend named Lazarus, who lived in the town of Bethany with his sisters Mary and Martha. When Lazarus became very sick, his sisters sent a message to Jesus, knowing that He could heal him. But by the time Jesus arrived, Lazarus had died and had been in the tomb for four days.

Jesus showed his love and friendship by weeping for Lazarus, and then He did something miraculous. He called Lazarus to come out of the tomb, and Lazarus rose from the dead! Jesus showed that a true friend brings hope and can make impossible things happen.

See also: The story of Lazarus in the Bible

Key Takeaways

• Friendship means caring deeply for each other's sorrows.
• A true friend has the power to give life in different ways, like hope and encouragement.
• Miracles can happen when there is love and friendship.

The Disciples: Friends Who Share Good News

"After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.”" (Luke 10:1-3)

Jesus had twelve close friends, called disciples, who traveled with Him and learned from Him. They shared everything - meals, stories, and even their worries. After Jesus rose from the dead, He told His friends to go and tell the whole world about Him.

The disciples worked together, leaned on each other, and spread the good news of Jesus all around. Their friendship was centered on the great mission of sharing love and changing lives. They supported and encouraged one another, and because of that, their message reached many hearts.

Key Takeaways

• Friendships can have a greater purpose, like spreading kindness and love.
• Sharing experiences can bring friends closer together.
• When friends work together towards a common goal, amazing things can happen.

Unique Activity: Friendship Chains

Let’s create a Friendship Chain! Here’s a fun way to remember these Bible stories with your friends:

1. Cut out strips of colorful paper.
2. Write down the names of your friends on each strip and a lesson you’ve learned about friendship from the Bible stories.
3. Loop the first strip into a circle and glue or staple the ends together.
4. Take the next strip, loop it through the first one, and secure it to make another link in the chain.
5. Keep adding links to represent more friends and the stories of friendship from the Bible.

Hang your Friendship Chain in your room as a banner to remind you of the important friendships in your life and what you can learn from them!

FAQs on Bible Stories About Friendship

What does the Bible say about the importance of friends?

The Bible says that friends are essential for companionship, encouragement, and support in difficult times. Proverbs 17:17 says, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity." This signifies the enduring nature of true friendship.

What are some characteristics of a good friend according to the Bible?

A good friend, according to the Bible, is loving, loyal, honest, and supportive. They are there to give counsel, share joy and sorrow, and to lift us up. Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." This indicates that friends help us grow and become better.

Why did David and Jonathan's friendship have a strong bond?

David and Jonathan's bond was strong because of their mutual respect, loyalty, and the covenant they made before God. Their friendship was based on selflessness and a deep connection of the spirit.

How can we apply the story of Ruth and Naomi to modern friendships?

The story of Ruth and Naomi teaches us to stand by our friends even when it's not easy, to make sacrifices, and to support them in changing circumstances. These principles are timeless and can strengthen modern friendships.

What can we learn from Daniel and his friends about peer pressure?

We learn from Daniel and his friends that sticking together with friends who share your values can help you resist peer pressure. They showed us that it's important to support each other in doing what is right, even when faced with great challenges.

Remember these stories and lessons as you go through life and build your own friendships, kids! Just like these Bible heroes, God can use your friendships to do amazing things!

For further exploration about friendship in the Bible and engaging activities, you might want to check out the following links:

• The Story of Ruth
• Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego