Topical Bible: Time for Friends

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In the biblical context, friendship is a significant aspect of human relationships, reflecting the communal nature of God's creation. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings on the value of friendship, emphasizing the importance of spending time with friends to foster these relationships.

Biblical Examples of Friendship

One of the most notable friendships in the Bible is that of David and Jonathan. Their relationship is characterized by loyalty, love, and mutual support. In 1 Samuel 18:1, it is written, "After David had finished speaking with Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as himself." This deep bond illustrates the biblical ideal of friendship, where time spent together strengthens the ties between individuals.

Another example is the friendship between Ruth and Naomi. Although they were mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, their relationship transcended familial obligations. Ruth's commitment to Naomi is evident in Ruth 1:16, where she declares, "Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God." This passage highlights the importance of companionship and loyalty, which are nurtured through shared experiences and time spent together.

Teachings on Friendship

The Bible offers wisdom on the nature and value of friendship. Proverbs 17:17 states, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." This proverb underscores the constancy and support that true friends provide, especially during difficult times. Spending time with friends allows for the development of such steadfast relationships.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 further emphasizes the benefits of companionship: "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. For if one falls, the other will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has no one to help him up." This passage suggests that time invested in friendships yields mutual support and encouragement, which are vital for overcoming life's challenges.

Jesus and Friendship

Jesus Christ exemplified the role of a friend through His interactions with His disciples. In John 15:13-15, Jesus says, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you." Jesus' words and actions demonstrate the ultimate expression of friendship—sacrificial love and the sharing of one's life and knowledge.

Practical Application

The biblical perspective on friendship encourages believers to prioritize time for friends, recognizing it as an essential component of a godly life. Engaging in fellowship, sharing meals, and participating in communal worship are practical ways to cultivate and maintain friendships. Hebrews 10:24-25 advises, "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

In summary, the Bible presents friendship as a vital and enriching part of life, urging believers to invest time and effort into these relationships. Through biblical examples, teachings, and the life of Jesus, the importance of spending time with friends is affirmed as a reflection of God's love and community.

Topical Bible Verses

John 11:1-57
Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.
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That his Grief Ceased by Time, and the Consolation of Friends.
... Book IV. Chapter VIII."That His Grief Ceased by Time, and the Consolation of Friends.
13. Times lose no time, nor do they idly roll through our senses. ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter viii that his grief ceased.htm

Letter vi. Associates and Friends.
... be prompt and punctual at meal-time. Her own tact and judgment will enable her to
judge how much assistance she should offer, if any, to the friends she visits ...
/.../letter vi associates and friends.htm

But as the Wills of Friends, which are not Seen, are Believed ...
... 8. But as the wills of friends, which are not seen, are believed through tokens
which ... and things present which cannot be seen all of them, at the time at which ...
/.../augustine/concerning faith of things not seen /8 but as the wills.htm

An unconscionable time a-dying
... and when the last of these finds us, we have been a long time dying, and ... when that
shall be necessary and not be embittered, to keep a few friends but these ...
/.../stevenson/a christmas sermon/an unconscionable time a-dying.htm

Long Time, My Venerable Fellow-Bishop Paulinus, have I Been Thy ...
... I would answer what I thought of this matter, at the same time not forbearing ... of
religious and faithful minds, which take this care for their deceased friends. ...
/.../augustine/on care to be had for the dead /1 long time my venerable.htm

Chrysostom -- Excessive Grief at the Death of Friends
... EXCESSIVE GRIEF AT THE DEATH OF FRIENDS. BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE. ... He studied under Libanius,
and for a time practised law, but was converted and baptized in 368. ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/chrysostom excessive grief at.htm

The Lapse of Time.
... which held them; they were parents, brothers, sisters, children, and friends; but
the ... How infinitely important now appears the value of time, now when it is ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon i the lapse of.htm

Miracles Granted to the Prayer of Friends.
... a Man such as we read about here, then he who prays for his friends shall be ... what
evil matter is it that it should be answered only in the right time and right ...
/.../macdonald/miracles of our lord/vi miracles granted to the.htm

Answer to Mr. W's Fourth Objection.
... here, we should not be justified in committing to the grave any man in less time,
Much less could we endure to bury our dearest friends and relations under two ...
/.../section iv answer to mr.htm

A Continuation of Mr Bunyan's Life; Beginning Where He Left Off ...
... twelve years' imprisonment and upwards, for nonconformity, wherein he had time to
furnish ... sufferings, so far as to stand very much his friends, in procuring ...
/.../bunyan/grace abounding to the chief of sinners/a continuation of mr bunyans.htm