Friendship is one of God’s most beautiful gifts. True friends are there to celebrate with us in joy and stand with us in times of hardship. In Scripture, love and friendship are often intertwined, showing us how kindness, loyalty, and selflessness reflect God’s own heart.
Whether we are seeking to be a better friend or to deepen the love we share with others, the Bible gives us clear guidance.
This collection of Bible verses about love and friendship will inspire you to cherish those around you, practice Christ-like love, and build relationships that honor God.
35 Bible Verses About Love And Friendship
1. Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
Explanation: True friendship is constant and becomes especially valuable in difficult times.
2. John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Explanation: Jesus shows the ultimate example of sacrificial love.
3. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Two are better than one… if either of them falls down, one can help the other up.
Explanation: Friendship provides mutual support and encouragement.
4. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast.
Explanation: The foundation of friendship is the same as godly love—selflessness and kindness.
5. Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
Explanation: Friends help each other grow and improve.
6. Colossians 3:14
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Explanation: Love is what strengthens and unites relationships.
7. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Encourage one another and build each other up.
Explanation: True friends lift each other’s spirits and faith.
8. Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Explanation: Selflessness is key to lasting friendship.
9. Proverbs 18:24
There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Explanation: Some friendships can be even stronger than family bonds.
10. Galatians 6:2
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Explanation: Helping friends in hard times reflects God’s love.
11. Job 6:14
Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
Explanation: Showing kindness to friends honors God.
12. 1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Explanation: Deep love allows grace and forgiveness in friendship.
13. Philippians 2:3-4
Value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but to the interests of others.
Explanation: Friendship grows through humility and care for others.
14. Proverbs 27:9
Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from heartfelt advice.
Explanation: Good friends bring joy through wise and caring words.
15. Luke 6:31
Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Explanation: The golden rule strengthens love and friendship.
16. Ephesians 4:2-3
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Explanation: Patience and gentleness maintain healthy friendships.
17. Hebrews 10:24
Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
Explanation: Friends should inspire each other to do good.
18. Proverbs 13:20
Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.
Explanation: Good friendships shape our character and choices.
19. Zechariah 8:16
Speak the truth to each other.
Explanation: Honesty is vital in friendships built on love.
20. Matthew 18:20
For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.
Explanation: Friendship rooted in Christ invites His presence.
21. Psalm 133:1
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
Explanation: Love and unity among friends honor God.
22. James 5:16
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other.
Explanation: Prayer strengthens the bond of friendship.
23. 1 John 4:7
Let us love one another, for love comes from God.
Explanation: All true love flows from God’s nature.
24. Romans 15:5
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other.
Explanation: God empowers us to love friends with patience and unity.
25. Proverbs 22:11
One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend.
Explanation: Purity and gracious speech attract lasting friendships.
26. Colossians 3:12-13
Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Explanation: These virtues are essential for loving friendships.
27. John 15:15
I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
Explanation: Jesus calls His followers friends, setting the perfect example.
28. 1 Samuel 18:3
Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.
Explanation: Covenant friendship is loyal and selfless.
29. Ruth 1:16
Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay.
Explanation: Ruth’s devotion to Naomi models unwavering love.
30. Proverbs 16:28
A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.
Explanation: Avoiding gossip protects friendships.
31. Romans 13:10
Love does no harm to a neighbor.
Explanation: True love protects and blesses others.
32. 2 Timothy 1:7
For the Spirit God gave us… gives us power, love and self-discipline.
Explanation: God enables us to love well in our friendships.
33. Proverbs 27:6
Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.
Explanation: Honest correction from a friend is an act of love.
34. 1 John 3:18
Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
Explanation: Love in friendship is proven through actions.
35. Galatians 5:13
Serve one another humbly in love.
Explanation: Service is a practical way to show love to friends.
Final Thoughts on Love and Friendship
These Bible verses about love and friendship show us that true relationships are built on loyalty, kindness, humility, and God-centered love. When we put others first and remain faithful through challenges, we mirror Christ’s friendship toward us.
Which verse encouraged you the most today? Share your thoughts or favorite friendship Scriptures in the comments so we can inspire one another to love deeply and faithfully.