One of the most exquisite gifts that God bestows upon us is friendship. True friends serve as a reminder of God’s closeness and concern in a world that can frequently feel unclear, lonely, or burdensome. They sit with us in grief, laugh with us in happiness, and accompany us on the meandering paths of life.
The need for godly companionship—relationships based on mutual love, truth, and spiritual support rather than just common interests or experiences—is often emphasized throughout the Bible. Being grateful for friends is a spiritual practice that acknowledges God’s benevolence in the people He surrounds us with. It goes beyond simple politeness.
Scripture serves as a reminder of the value and strength of friendship. We witness how friends fortify our faith, push us toward purity, and serve as a reminder that we are not walking alone, as demonstrated by the loyalty between David and Jonathan and the encouragement Paul received from fellow Christians.
God frequently uses relationships to provide guidance, joy, and healing. We acknowledge God as the source of all good and perfect gifts, including the gift of company, as we show thankfulness for our friends.
These words from the Bible on being grateful for friends can uplift your spirits, increase your gratitude for the individuals God has put in your life, and inspire you to consider the value of spiritual friendship. These verses serve as a reminder that friendship is a gift from God and that being grateful for it is a potent act of worship, regardless of whether you’re in a time of intimacy or yearning for a closer bond.
40 Heartfelt Bible Verses About Being Thankful For Friends (2025)
1. Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
This verse celebrates the enduring nature of true friendship. A faithful friend is consistent, supportive, and present in both joy and hardship. While blood ties may draw family members into our struggles, it is the loyal love of a friend that truly mirrors Christlike devotion. Gratitude for such companionship is a recognition of God’s tangible grace through people in our lives.
2. 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 highlights the strength and value of companionship. Friends are not merely social blessings but essential pillars in our walk through life. When we fall—emotionally, spiritually, or physically—it is often a friend who helps us rise again. Thankfulness for these divine helpers is a natural response to the gift of mutual support.
3. John 15:13
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Jesus elevates the concept of friendship to the highest level of sacrificial love. This verse challenges us to consider the depth of our gratitude for those who walk beside us, not only in comfort but in sacrifice. Being thankful for friends means recognizing the ways they give of themselves to strengthen, protect, and love us in life-altering ways.
4. 1 Thessalonians 3:9
“How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?”
Paul’s words to the Thessalonians reflect the deep joy and gratitude one feels for faithful companions in Christ. True friends enrich our spiritual journey, and thanking God for them becomes a heartfelt act of worship. Their presence fills our hearts with joy and our prayers with sincere appreciation.
5. Philippians 1:3-5
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel.”
Paul expresses gratitude not just for friendship, but for shared mission. True friends often labor with us in purpose, vision, and faith. This verse reminds us to be thankful not only for who our friends are, but for what we accomplish together in God’s name.
6. Job 2:11
“When Job’s three friends heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out… to sympathize with him and comfort him.”
Though Job’s friends later faltered in counsel, their initial instinct was pure: to comfort their suffering friend. This act of presence is a gift. Thankfulness for friends includes appreciation for those who show up in our lowest moments, even when they don’t have all the answers.
7. Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
Paul’s instruction reveals the heart posture we should cultivate in friendship. When we receive love, honor, and devotion from a friend, we are experiencing a foretaste of God’s kingdom on earth. It’s something worthy of constant gratitude and reflection.
8. Colossians 1:3
“We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you.”
This verse reminds us that friendship is sustained and celebrated in prayer. Gratitude for friends isn’t just internal; it overflows into our conversations with God. Prayer becomes a vessel through which we express thankfulness for their presence, growth, and faithfulness.
9. 2 Timothy 1:16
“May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.”
Paul honors a friend who stood by him during trials. This verse teaches us to be thankful for those who don’t distance themselves when life gets hard. Loyal friends refresh us in weariness, and our gratitude for them echoes heavenward.
10. Proverbs 27:9
“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”
This beautiful metaphor illustrates the joy and comfort friends bring through their wise counsel and warm presence. Like fragrance, their encouragement lingers and uplifts. Such friendships deserve intentional appreciation and thankfulness.
11. Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
This well-known verse underscores the power of friendship to refine and strengthen character. True friends help shape us into better people through encouragement, correction, and inspiration. Gratitude for such relationships reflects an appreciation for how God uses others to develop us spiritually and emotionally.
12. 1 Samuel 18:1
“After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.”
The deep friendship between Jonathan and David exemplifies covenantal love, loyalty, and selflessness. Their bond transcended personal ambition and political tension. Being thankful for such rare and authentic friendships honors God’s design for human connection.
13. 1 Samuel 20:42
“Jonathan said to David, ‘Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord.’”
This farewell between friends highlights the spiritual bond that makes friendship sacred. Sworn in the name of the Lord, their relationship was rooted in God’s covenant faithfulness. Giving thanks for such friends acknowledges how deeply God can knit souls together.
14. 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.”
Although spoken by Ruth to her mother-in-law Naomi, these words reveal the kind of loyal, sacrificial companionship that marks the most powerful friendships. Gratitude swells in the heart when we are blessed with friends who walk with us through every chapter of life.
15. Luke 1:58
“Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.”
True friends celebrate your blessings as their own. This verse reflects the joy of community and friendship, where others rejoice in what God has done in your life. Gratitude for such friends is an acknowledgment of shared joy and divine connection.
16. Acts 2:44
“All the believers were together and had everything in common.”
This description of the early church includes friendship marked by unity, generosity, and spiritual kinship. Such community is the soil where friendships flourish. We thank God for friends with whom we share not just experiences but also faith and mission.
17. Acts 28:15
“At the sight of these people Paul thanked God and was encouraged.”
When Paul saw fellow believers coming to meet him, his spirit was uplifted and he thanked God. The presence of friends can renew our strength, lift our spirits, and remind us that we’re not alone. We should never take such encouragement for granted.
18. Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Friendship is about bearing each other’s loads. In times of sorrow or trial, friends are a reflection of Christ’s compassion. Being thankful for friends who help carry our burdens is a recognition of God’s mercy expressed through human hands.
19. Romans 1:11-12
“I long to see you… that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.”
Paul longs to visit the believers to be spiritually strengthened together. This mutual encouragement is the heart of Christian friendship. Gratitude flows when we’re blessed with friends whose faith lifts our own and strengthens our walk with God.
20. 1 Peter 4:8-9
“Above all, love each other deeply… Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”
Love and hospitality are the hallmarks of true friendship. When friends extend grace and care freely, they reflect the very nature of God. Being thankful for such friends means valuing the ways they consistently open their hearts and homes.
21. Philippians 2:1-2
“If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ… then make my joy complete by being like-minded.”
Unity in Christ creates deep bonds of friendship marked by encouragement, compassion, and joy. Friends who share our values and faith walk with us in alignment and peace. We should cherish and give thanks for this kind of unity.
22. Hebrews 10:24-25
“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds… encouraging one another.”
Good friends inspire growth and godliness. This verse reminds us to appreciate those who challenge us to be better and who walk alongside us in love. Gratitude for such friends is gratitude for spiritual accountability and support.
23. James 5:16
“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”
Friendship rooted in spiritual intimacy includes vulnerability and intercession. Thanking God for friends who pray for us and walk with us through healing is thanking Him for instruments of grace.
24. Romans 15:5-6
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other… so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Friendship thrives on harmony and shared purpose. When friends worship, work, and witness together in unity, God is glorified. We thank Him for those we can walk in step with, both in spirit and in mission.
25. 2 Corinthians 7:6-7
“But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him.”
Titus’ arrival was a divine encouragement to Paul. Sometimes, the mere presence of a friend can be God’s chosen comfort. Giving thanks for such timely friendships is a way of worshipping the God who sends them.
26. 3 John 1:4
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
Though originally about spiritual children, this verse also reflects the joy that comes from knowing our friends are living in God’s truth. Friends who walk in righteousness bring deep, spiritual satisfaction. Giving thanks for such friends is giving thanks for the joy of shared truth.
27. Romans 12:15
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
True friends journey with us through every emotion—joys and sorrows alike. This verse captures the empathy and presence that characterize deep friendship. Gratitude for such companions is born from their consistency in every season.
28. Genesis 2:18
“The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.’”
Though referring to the creation of Eve, this foundational truth speaks to God’s recognition that we need companionship. Friends are part of God’s solution to human loneliness. Thanking God for them is thanking Him for designing us for community.
29. Proverbs 18:24
“There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
Some friendships transcend even family ties in depth and loyalty. This verse praises those rare friends who never leave our side. Gratitude for such faithful companions is profound and enduring.
30. Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
Friends influence our destiny. Walking with wise and godly people molds our character and shapes our future. Thanking God for wise friends is also acknowledging His hand in guiding our growth.
31. Colossians 3:13-14
“Bear with each other and forgive one another… And over all these virtues put on love.”
Friendship requires patience, forgiveness, and love. When we have friends who embody these virtues, we are blessed beyond words. Gratitude arises naturally for those who love us even in our imperfections.
32. Ephesians 4:2-3
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
This verse calls us to treat others in ways that preserve peace and unity. When friends live this out, it creates safe and loving bonds. Giving thanks for gentle, patient friends is honoring the fruit of the Spirit in our relationships.
33. John 11:35-36
“Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, ‘See how he loved him!’”
Jesus’ love for Lazarus was expressed in deep, human emotion. This verse shows that real friendship is marked by heartfelt love and sorrow at loss. Friends who weep with us or for us are to be deeply treasured.
34. Isaiah 41:6
“They help each other and say to their companions, ‘Be strong!’”
True friendship includes strengthening one another. A word of encouragement from a friend can restore hope. We give thanks for those whose voices call us into courage when we feel weak.
35. Luke 5:18-20
“When Jesus saw their faith, he said, ‘Friend, your sins are forgiven.’”
The faith of the paralyzed man’s friends brought him to healing. This verse reminds us of the power of friends who carry us in prayer and faith when we can’t walk alone. Gratitude for such friends is immense.
36. Galatians 5:13
“Serve one another humbly in love.”
Friendship is grounded in service and humility. When friends care for us without expectation, it mirrors the love of Christ. Thankfulness for their servant hearts is a way of honoring God’s love in action.
37. Hebrews 13:1
“Let mutual love continue.”
This simple command reinforces the enduring power of love in friendship. Mutual love is a cycle of giving and receiving. When such love exists in friendship, it’s worthy of deep gratitude and constant nurture.
38. Philemon 1:4-5
“I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your love for all his holy people.”
Paul’s prayer of thanks reflects the joy of having godly friends whose faith is active and visible. We thank God for friends who not only walk with us but also inspire us through their faith and love.
39. Psalm 55:13-14
“But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship…”
This verse speaks of the pain of broken friendship, reminding us how deeply friendship touches our soul. Being thankful for loyal friends includes remembering that such relationships are sacred and must be cherished while they last.
40. Psalm 133:1
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
Friendship among believers is a source of divine joy. Unity brings peace, strength, and spiritual blessing. We give thanks for friends who walk with us in harmonious, Christ-centered love.
Conclusion
One should never undervalue the heavenly gift of true friendship. Godly friends are a source of joy, strength, and spiritual support, as the Bible makes abundantly evident. A friend’s presence is an outward manifestation of God’s grace, whether they pray with you, support you at difficult times, or just share your daily experiences. Expressing gratitude for these connections acknowledges the God who arranged them as much as the friendships themselves.
Spend some time praying for your friends, thanking them, and intentionally fostering those relationships while you consider these verses. Biblical friendship is a potent illustration of God’s love at work in people’s hearts in a society that frequently encourages loneliness or shallow connections. May these passages encourage you to be a loving friend and to value those who walk with you in love, faith, and commitment.
