Biblical Evidence for Friendship as a Character Trait
The biblical concept of friendship as a character trait is rooted in various passages that emphasize its importance in Christian living. The book of Proverbs highlights the value of friendship, stating that "a friend loves at all times" (Proverbs 17:17) [3]. This theme is further developed in Proverbs 18:24, which notes that having friends requires being friendly oneself [4]. The Nonconformist/Puritan commentary on this verse, as seen in Matthew Henry's work, underscores the reciprocal nature of friendship, emphasizing the need to show affection and perform good offices for others [6].
Hospitality is another key aspect of friendship in the biblical context. Torrey's Topical Textbook cites numerous examples of hospitality in the Bible, including Abraham's entertainment of strangers (Genesis 18:3-8) and the requirement for ministers to be hospitable (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8) [1]. The practice of hospitality is seen as a test of Christian character (1 Timothy 5:10) and is encouraged towards strangers, the poor, and even enemies [1].
The Psalms also celebrate the beauty of unity and harmony among brethren, with Psalm 133:1 exclaiming, "How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!" [2]. Matthew Henry's commentary on this psalm notes that dwelling together in unity is not just a matter of avoiding strife but actively promoting each other's welfare [7].
In the New Testament, Jesus is described as choosing his friends and demonstrating their friendship through obedience to him (John 15:14-16) [10]. The apostle Paul's writings also touch on the theme of friendship, with 1 Corinthians 13:4 highlighting the long-suffering nature of charity, or love, which is essential for friendships [11].
The biblical narrative provides numerous examples of friendships, including the reconciliation between Jacob and Esau (Genesis 33:4), which is seen as a demonstration of the subduing influence of grace [8]. The acceptance of gifts between individuals is also viewed as a sign of friendship and reconciliation in Eastern cultures, as seen in the interaction between Jacob and Esau (Genesis 33:11) [9].
The biblical evidence suggests that friendship is a vital character trait in Christian living, encompassing elements of hospitality, unity, and mutual affection. As such, it is considered an essential aspect of demonstrating one's faith and commitment to God.
The significance of friendship in biblical teachings is further underscored by the etymology of certain names and places. For instance, the name "Hebron" is associated with "society" or "friendship" [5]. The biblical emphasis on friendship serves as a foundation for understanding its role in Christian character development.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Hospitality — Commanded -- Ro 12:13; 1Pe 4:9. Required in ministers -- 1Ti 3:2; Tit 1:8. A test of Christian character -- 1Ti 5:10. Specially to be shown to Strangers. -- Heb 13:2. The poor. -- Isa 58:7; Lu 14:13. Enemies. -- 2Ki 6:22,23; Ro 12:20. Encouragement to -- Lu 14:14; Heb 13:2. Exemplified Melchizedek. -- Ge 14:18. Abraham. -- Ge 18:3-8. Lot. -- Ge 19:2,3. Laban. -- Ge 24:31. Jethro. -- Ex 2:20. Manoah. -- Jdj 13:15. Samuel. -- 1Sa 9:22. David. -- 2Sa 6:19. Barzillai. -- 2Sa 19:32. Shunammite. -- 2Ki 4:8. Nehemiah. -- Ne 5:17. Job. -- Job 31:17,32. Zacchaeu”
- Psalms “See how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to live together in unity! -- Psalms 133:1”
- Proverbs “A friend loves at all times; and a brother is born for adversity. -- Proverbs 17:17”
- Proverbs “Proverbs 18:24 (Webster) — A man [that hath] friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend [that] sticketh closer than a brother.”
- Hitchcock's Bible Names “Hitchcock's Bible Names: Hebron — society; friendship”
- Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 18:24: Solomon here recommends friendship to us, and shows, 1. What we must do that we may contract and cultivate friendship; we must show ourselves friendly. Would we have friends and keep them, we must not only not affront them, or quarrel with them, but we must love them, and make it appear that we do so by all expressions that are endearing, by being free with them, pleasing to them, visiting them and bidding them welcome, and especially by doing all the good offices we can and serving them in every thing that lies in our power; that is showing ourselves friendly.”
- Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 133:1: Here see, I. What it is that is commended - brethren's dwelling together in unity, not only not quarrelling, and devouring one another, but delighting in each other with mutual endearments, and promoting each other's welfare with mutual services. Sometimes it is chosen, as the best expedient for preserving peace, that brethren should live asunder and at a distance from each other; that indeed may prevent enmity and strife (Gen 13:9), but the goodness and pleasantness are for brethren to dwell together and so to dwell in unity, to dwell even as one (so some read i”
- Genesis (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Genesis 33:4: Esau ran to meet him--What a sudden and surprising change! Whether the sight of the princely present and the profound homage of Jacob had produced this effect, or it proceeded from the impulsive character of Esau, the cherished enmity of twenty years in a moment disappeared; the weapons of war were laid aside, and the warmest tokens of mutual affection reciprocated between the brothers. But doubtless, the efficient cause was the secret, subduing influence of grace (Pro 21:1), which converted Esau from an enemy into a friend.”
- Genesis (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Genesis 33:11: He urged him and he took it--In the East the acceptance by a superior is a proof of friendship, and by an enemy, of reconciliation. It was on both accounts Jacob was so anxious that his brother should receive the cattle; and in Esau's acceptance he had the strongest proofs of a good feeling being established that Eastern notions admit of.”
- John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on John 15:14: 15:14-16 Both Abraham and Moses were called friends of God (Exod 33:11; 2 Chr 20:7; Isa 41:8; Jas 2:23). This is the highest relationship possible between God and a person. Jesus chooses his friends (John 15:16), who demonstrate their friendship by obeying him.”
- 1 Corinthians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Corinthians 13:4: The apostle gives us in these verses some of the properties and effects of charity, both to describe and commend it, that we may know whether we have this grace and that if we have not we may fall in love with what is so exceedingly amiable, and not rest till we have obtained it. It is an excellent grace, and has a world of good properties belonging to it. As, I. It is long suffering - makrothumei. It can endure evil, injury, and provocation, without being filled with resentment, indignation, or revenge. It makes the mind firm, gives it power over the angry”