God has bestowed onto humanity two of the greatest gifts: love and friendship. They are what bind relationships together and provide our life solace, happiness, and fortitude. We can learn how to love people, build deep friendships, and glorify God in these interactions from the Scriptures. Since God is love, His Word makes clear that friendship and love are fundamental to who He is (1 John 4:8).
True love is characterized by kindness, patience, and sacrifice; it transcends transient feelings. In a same vein, true friendship is a covenant of commitment, trust, and support that goes beyond simple companionship. The Bible verses for love and friendship offers us timeless lessons that serve as a reminder of the beauty and strength found in godly relationships in a world that is frequently characterized by division and selfishness. Love and friendship are reflections of God’s passion for people, whether they are shared between friends, spouses, family, or even complete strangers.
These bible verses for love and friendship provide consolation to the isolated, direction to the perplexed, and inspiration to those seeking closer relationships. They serve as a reminder that friendship is more than simply social; it is spiritual, and love is more than just an emotion. Our relationships may endure hardships, promote healing, and serve as a window into God’s kingdom when they are based on Christ.
This compilation of 35 potent Bible verses for friendship and love contains inspirational, energizing, and wise phrases. These verses will remind you of God’s unfailing, eternal love, and help you build stronger friendships and a deeper knowledge of love. Allow these verses to serve as a guide as you cultivate relationships that honor God and support the individuals He has put in your life.
35 Amazing Bible Verses For Love And Friendship in 2025
1. Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
This verse highlights the constancy of true friendship. A genuine friend is not seasonal but stands firm through joy and sorrow. In adversity, friends become like family, offering support when we need it most. Godly friendships are a reflection of His unchanging love, reminding us that relationships rooted in faith endure all seasons of life. True friendship is proven not in good times but in trials where love is tested.
2. John 15:13
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Here, Jesus defines the ultimate act of love—sacrifice. Friendship reaches its highest form when one is willing to give of themselves for the sake of another. Christ modeled this through His death on the cross, demonstrating selfless love. This verse calls us to a deeper commitment in friendship: to prioritize others above ourselves. True friendship is not measured by convenience but by willingness to sacrifice for one another.
3. 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 passage emphasizes the strength found in companionship. Life’s burdens become lighter when shared with a friend who offers encouragement and help. True friendship is about lifting each other up, ensuring that no one walks through hardship alone. God designed us for relationship, reminding us that we are stronger together. Friendship provides not just companionship but practical support in times of weakness and need.
4. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
“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.”
This verse gives us a clear definition of what love looks like in action. Love is not simply a feeling but a lifestyle of patience, kindness, humility, and forgiveness. True love places others above self and reflects God’s nature by refusing to harbor bitterness or pride. Friendships and relationships thrive when this type of love is practiced, as it builds unity, fosters understanding, and strengthens bonds in ways that honor God.
5. Proverbs 27:9
“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”
This verse compares the sweetness of friendship to the joy brought by perfume and incense. True friendship is not just about companionship but also about wise counsel and encouragement. Godly friends speak life into our hearts, offering guidance that uplifts and directs us toward righteousness. Their words are a source of refreshing joy, reminding us that friendship is both a gift and a blessing designed to enrich our spiritual journey.
6. Colossians 3:14
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Love is the unifying thread that holds all other virtues together. Patience, kindness, humility, and forgiveness all find their strength in love. This verse reminds us that without love, our relationships lack true depth and unity. Whether in friendship, marriage, or community, love is the glue that sustains harmony. God calls us to actively “put on” love as a garment, choosing daily to prioritize it in our interactions with others.
7. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Friendship is rooted in encouragement. This verse calls believers to actively strengthen one another, not tear each other down. Godly friends provide words that uplift, inspire, and remind us of God’s promises. Just as construction builds something strong and lasting, encouragement builds resilience in the soul. Friendship grounded in Christ always points toward growth and support, ensuring that no one walks alone in their faith journey. Encouragement sustains deep, lasting bonds.
8. Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
Here, Paul highlights devotion and honor as cornerstones of Christian relationships. Love is more than emotion—it is commitment and respect. Friendships and family bonds flourish when we choose to honor others above ourselves, showing genuine care and selflessness. God’s love teaches us humility, valuing others’ needs and well-being over personal desires. This type of friendship mirrors Christ’s example of servanthood, where love is shown through sacrificial actions that uplift and honor others.
9. James 4:8
“Come near to God and he will come near to you.”
Though this verse speaks about intimacy with God, it also teaches us about the foundation of all relationships. A true friendship or love relationship finds its strength in closeness to God. When both people draw near to Him, they naturally grow closer to each other. Friendships built on faith are sustained through prayer, worship, and shared devotion. This verse reminds us that intimacy with God is key to meaningful, lasting love and friendship.
10. Proverbs 18:24
“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
This proverb distinguishes between shallow connections and genuine friendship. Not all friends are dependable, but a true friend is loyal, steadfast, and trustworthy. Such friendships provide the kind of support that even family may not always give. This verse ultimately points us to Jesus, the faithful friend who never abandons us. In human relationships, it challenges us to be that kind of unwavering friend to others.
11. Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
This verse calls us to compassionate friendship, where love is expressed through action. Carrying one another’s burdens means being present in times of grief, trial, or hardship. It reflects Christ’s command to love as He loved—selflessly and sacrificially. True friends don’t just enjoy good times together but also share the weight of struggles. In supporting one another, we reflect the love of Christ and strengthen bonds of faith and friendship.
12. Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
Paul teaches that humility is the foundation of healthy relationships. Friendships crumble when selfishness rules, but they flourish when humility leads. Valuing others above ourselves means considering their needs and feelings first, showing selfless love. This is not weakness but Christlike strength, as He modeled ultimate humility. Friendships built on humility avoid rivalry and pride, fostering unity, love, and mutual respect that reflect God’s design for meaningful, lasting relationships rooted in grace.
13. 1 Samuel 18:3
“And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.”
The friendship of David and Jonathan is one of the most powerful examples of loyalty in Scripture. Their bond was not superficial but covenantal, reflecting deep commitment and trust. This verse highlights selfless love, where Jonathan treated David as he would his own soul. True friendships are built on covenant-like devotion, standing strong through trials. God desires that our friendships mirror this kind of faithfulness, rooted in love and sacrificial care for others.
14. 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 emphasizes the importance of fellowship and encouragement. Friendships thrive when we inspire one another toward love and good works. Meeting together, whether in worship or friendship, strengthens our faith and keeps us accountable. Godly friends encourage spiritual growth, helping us persevere in our walk with Christ. This verse reminds us that true friendship goes beyond companionship—it is about pushing one another closer to God and living out our faith daily.
15. Ephesians 4:2
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
This verse outlines the qualities that sustain love and friendship: humility, gentleness, patience, and endurance. Relationships are not always easy, but love empowers us to bear with one another’s flaws and weaknesses. Patience and gentleness prevent conflicts from destroying bonds, while humility fosters understanding. Friendships thrive when rooted in God’s love, which allows us to extend grace. Living out these virtues ensures relationships remain strong, healthy, and reflective of God’s character in us.
16. Job 6:14
“Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.”
Job expresses the value of kindness in friendship. Even in his suffering, he recognized that friends are meant to bring comfort and compassion. Withholding kindness is not only a betrayal of friendship but also a disregard for God’s call to love. True friendship requires tenderness and compassion, especially in moments of trial. This verse reminds us that kindness is not optional but essential, and showing it honors both our friends and God.
17. Ruth 1:16
“Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.”
Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi is a beautiful example of commitment in friendship and family. Despite uncertainty, Ruth chose to remain faithful, prioritizing love over convenience. Her words reflect steadfastness and sacrifice, qualities that sustain deep relationships. This verse teaches us that genuine friendship is about walking together through life’s journey, even when it’s difficult. Ruth’s devotion mirrors the kind of covenant loyalty God calls us to demonstrate in love and friendship.
18. Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another… Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Forgiveness is essential in any relationship, as conflicts and misunderstandings are inevitable. This verse calls us to extend the same forgiveness God has shown us. Friendships cannot thrive where bitterness and grudges exist. Instead, bearing with one another in love requires patience, grace, and humility. By forgiving freely, we mirror Christ’s love, allowing friendships to heal and grow stronger. Forgiveness sustains unity and reflects God’s redemptive work in our relationships.
19. Luke 6:31
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
Often called the “Golden Rule,” this verse provides the foundation for love and friendship. It teaches empathy and selflessness, encouraging us to treat others with the same respect and kindness we desire. Friendships thrive when both people adopt this principle, creating relationships built on fairness and love. This command aligns with God’s heart, ensuring our interactions reflect His goodness. Love and friendship flourish when guided by mutual care and Christlike compassion.
20. 1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
This verse highlights love’s power to heal and sustain relationships. Deep love allows forgiveness, patience, and compassion to flourish, preventing small conflicts from destroying friendships. Love covers imperfections by choosing to see the best in others rather than focusing on faults. Godly love transforms relationships, creating resilience and grace. Above all else, love is the binding force that protects friendships from division and reflects God’s unconditional love in every interaction.
21. Psalm 133:1
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
This verse celebrates the beauty of harmony among God’s people. Love and friendship are strengthened when unity prevails, creating an atmosphere of peace and joy. Discord weakens relationships, but unity reflects God’s design for His children. Friendships rooted in Christ contribute to this unity, displaying love and cooperation. When believers live in peace, it honors God and testifies to the world about the power of love and genuine fellowship among His people.
22. Romans 15:7
“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”
Acceptance is at the heart of true friendship. Just as Christ welcomes us with grace despite our flaws, we are called to embrace others. Genuine love does not reject or judge but extends compassion and understanding. Friendships thrive in an atmosphere of acceptance, where people feel valued and safe. By showing acceptance, we glorify God and mirror His unconditional love, building stronger bonds that are rooted in grace and genuine care for others.
23. Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
This verse underscores the spiritual power of relationships rooted in God’s presence. When friends come together in Christ’s name, their fellowship is blessed with His nearness. This makes love and friendship not just emotional or social but deeply spiritual. Gathering with friends in prayer or worship strengthens bonds and invites God into the relationship. Christ-centered friendships flourish because they are built upon His presence, ensuring unity, strength, and divine blessing in the bond.
24. 2 Samuel 1:26
“I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women.”
David’s lament for Jonathan highlights the depth of their friendship. Their bond was marked by loyalty, sacrifice, and deep affection. David valued Jonathan’s love as extraordinary, showing us that godly friendship can be as profound as family or marital love. This verse reminds us of the importance of cherishing true friends, as such relationships are rare and precious. Love in friendship brings comfort, strength, and an enduring legacy of faithfulness and devotion.
25. 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.”
John points us back to the source of all love—God Himself. True friendship and love cannot exist apart from Him. Those who love genuinely demonstrate their connection to God, reflecting His nature in their relationships. Love is evidence of spiritual life and maturity, and it becomes the defining mark of believers. Friendships rooted in divine love go beyond personal benefit; they become living testimonies of God’s transforming power at work in our hearts.
26. Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
This verse illustrates how friendships help us grow stronger in faith and character. Just as iron sharpens iron through friction, friends sharpen one another through honest counsel, encouragement, and accountability. True friends challenge us to improve, guiding us toward spiritual maturity. This sharpening may not always be comfortable, but it is essential for growth. Godly friendships refine our lives, ensuring we do not remain stagnant but continue to pursue righteousness together in Christ.
27. Matthew 22:39
“And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
This commandment, second only to loving God, sets the foundation for love and friendship. To love others as ourselves means to extend the same care, respect, and kindness we desire. Friendships thrive when both parties practice this principle, ensuring balance and mutual respect. Jesus teaches that relationships are not about self-gain but self-giving. Love becomes the guiding principle that shapes how we treat friends, family, and even strangers, reflecting God’s heart in every interaction.
28. John 15:15
“I no longer call you servants… Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”
Jesus elevates His disciples from servants to friends, showing us the value of intimacy and transparency in relationships. True friendship involves trust and openness, sharing life and wisdom with one another. Christ’s example redefines friendship as something sacred, marked by mutual love and shared truth. This verse reminds us that friendship with Jesus is the highest gift, and it also sets a model for our human friendships—built on trust, love, and authenticity.
29. Micah 6:8
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
While not directly about friendship, this verse lays out principles that sustain love and relationships. Acting justly ensures fairness, loving mercy fosters compassion, and walking humbly creates harmony. Friendships rooted in these values thrive because they reflect God’s character. Love and friendship are not about selfish desires but about honoring God through how we treat others. This verse calls us to relationships marked by justice, mercy, and humility—qualities that enrich all bonds.
30. 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.”
Truth is the foundation of any genuine relationship. This verse reminds us that love and friendship cannot survive without honesty. Speaking truth fosters trust and transparency, while deceit destroys bonds. God calls us to be truthful with one another, ensuring our words and actions reflect integrity. Friendships built on truth are strong, enduring, and life-giving. This verse challenges us to honor God by upholding honesty in every relationship we value.
31. Psalm 41:9
“Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.”
This verse reminds us of the pain of betrayal in friendship. David’s lament shows that even close relationships can experience hurt and disappointment. Yet, it also points us to Christ, who experienced ultimate betrayal from Judas. Friendships may not always be perfect, but this verse teaches us to remain steadfast in love, forgiving as Christ forgave. It also reminds us to place our ultimate trust in God, who never fails.
32. 1 John 3:18
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
Love is more than verbal expression; it must be demonstrated in action. This verse calls us to authenticity in relationships, where our deeds align with our words. Genuine friendship is shown through care, sacrifice, and truthfulness. Empty words without action lack meaning, but love expressed in practical ways transforms lives. God’s love is active, and He calls us to reflect the same by being friends who show love through tangible acts of kindness.
33. Proverbs 22:11
“One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend.”
This verse emphasizes the value of purity and gracious speech in forming meaningful relationships. A pure heart reflects sincerity, while gracious words build trust and respect. Together, they attract enduring friendships, even with people in high positions. Godly friendships are rooted in honesty and kindness, not manipulation or selfish motives. This passage teaches us that when we cultivate purity and grace, we build relationships that glorify God and bring lasting joy.
34. Zephaniah 3:17
“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Though about God’s relationship with His people, this verse reflects the depth of divine love that inspires our human friendships. God delights in us with rejoicing and unconditional love. Friendships modeled after God’s love are joyful, encouraging, and life-giving. This verse reminds us that love is not just serious duty but also celebration. When we delight in our friends as God delights in us, we reflect His joy in our relationships.
35. 1 Corinthians 16:14
“Do everything in love.”
Paul closes his letter with a universal command: let love guide all actions. This applies to every relationship and friendship we have. Love should be the motive behind our words, decisions, and behavior. Friendships flourish when love is the driving force, ensuring respect, kindness, and loyalty. This verse calls us to make love the standard in everything, allowing our relationships to reflect Christ’s heart and bring glory to God in all we do.
Conclusion
God’s own heart for humanity is reflected in the divine blessings of friendship and love. The Bible emphasizes the value of loving relationships based on truth, sacrifice, and commitment throughout Genesis through Revelation. These 35 passages from the Bible serve as a reminder that true love is an action that chooses kindness, forgiveness, and patience over emotion. In a same vein, genuine friendship is a covenant of commitment, support, and encouragement during both good times and bad.
God’s Word holds us to a higher standard in a society where conflict and selfishness frequently damage relationships. Every action we do, whether in friendship, family, or marriage, must be based on love. Relationships become manifestations of Christ’s grace when we treat others with the same love that He shows us. Faith-based friendships serve as both a source of happiness and support as well as a means for God to hone, polish, and pull us nearer to Himself.
Think about how you may strengthen your relationships in your own life as you consider these scriptures. Are you being patient, forgiving, and humble? Do your friendships help you grow in your faith and draw nearer to Christ? In order to direct our hearts toward relationships that exalt Him, God has given us His Word. It is important to remember that friendship and love are strong forces that may mend broken relationships, build stronger communities, and make life more joyful. Above all, never forget that the purest source of love and the best friend is God Himself.
