The term "unfriendly" refers to a lack of warmth, kindness, or goodwill towards others. In the context of the Bible, being unfriendly is often associated with behaviors that are contrary to the teachings of love, compassion, and community that are central to Christian doctrine. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that highlight the importance of friendliness and the dangers of unfriendly behavior.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 18:1 : "He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment." This verse suggests that unfriendly behavior, characterized by isolation and self-centeredness, is contrary to wisdom and sound judgment. The Bible encourages believers to seek community and fellowship rather than isolation.

2. Proverbs 17:17 : "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." This proverb underscores the value of friendship and the importance of being supportive and loving, especially during difficult times. Unfriendliness, therefore, is seen as a failure to fulfill the role of a true friend or brother.

3. 1 John 4:20 : "If anyone says, 'I love God,' but hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen." This passage emphasizes that love for others is a reflection of one's love for God. Unfriendliness, which can manifest as hatred or indifference, is incompatible with genuine Christian love.

4. Matthew 5:44 : "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount challenges believers to extend love even to those who are unfriendly or hostile. This radical call to love underscores the transformative power of Christian love and the rejection of unfriendliness.

Theological Implications:

Unfriendliness is often seen as a manifestation of sin, rooted in pride, selfishness, or a lack of empathy. It stands in opposition to the fruits of the Spirit, which include love, kindness, and gentleness (Galatians 5:22-23). The Bible calls Christians to be ambassadors of Christ, reflecting His love and grace in their interactions with others. Unfriendliness, therefore, is a barrier to effective witness and ministry.

Practical Applications:

1. Community Building: Christians are encouraged to foster a spirit of friendliness and hospitality within their communities. This involves reaching out to newcomers, offering support to those in need, and creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and loved.

2. Conflict Resolution: In situations of conflict, believers are called to pursue reconciliation and peace. This requires setting aside unfriendly attitudes and seeking understanding and forgiveness, as instructed in Matthew 18:15-17.

3. Personal Reflection: Individuals are encouraged to examine their own hearts and attitudes, seeking to root out any tendencies towards unfriendliness. This involves prayer, repentance, and a commitment to grow in love and compassion.

In summary, the Bible presents unfriendliness as contrary to the nature and teachings of Christ. Believers are called to embody the love of God in their relationships, overcoming unfriendliness with kindness, patience, and a genuine concern for the well-being of others.1. (a.) Not friendly; not kind or benevolent; hostile; as, an unfriendly neighbor.

2. (a.) Not favorable; not adapted to promote or support any object; as, weather unfriendly to health.

Of Silent Acquiescence in Heathen Formularies.
... At all events, whoever the adjurer is, he binds you to himself either in
friendly or unfriendly conjunction. If in unfriendly, you ...
/.../tertullian/on idolatry/chapter xxi of silent acquiescence in.htm

Book v. --General Reply to Sundry of Marcion's Heresies.
... 120 To be sole spirit, nor the flesh is called. "The old man;" nor unfriendly are
the flesh. ... Unfriendly fail at length, when flesh, released,. Rises again. ...
/.../book v general reply to sundry.htm

Letter x. The Preservation of Health.
... It is no less unfriendly to the exercise of holy affections than levity of
conversation and manners. ... Medicine is unfriendly to the human system. ...
/.../letter x the preservation of.htm

Chapter xiv
... The simplest of all explanations is that the army coming from the east wanted to
eliminate the possibility of an attack from the rear by unfriendly groups. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xiv.htm

The Papacy
... His election had been opposed by Cardinal Mazarin in the name of France, and throughout
his reign he was doomed to suffer severely from the unfriendly and high ...
/.../chapter ix the papacy.htm

The Counter-Reformation
... the Popes less anxious to try a similar experiment with the possibility of even
worse results, particularly at a time when the unfriendly relations existing ...
/.../chapter iv the counter-reformation.htm

The Preface.
... unkindly, that the GOD whom we love and serve, in whose Friendship we have long
trusted and rejoiced, should act what, to Sense, seems so unfriendly a Part ...
/.../submission to divine providence in the death of children/the preface.htm

For the Candid and Thoughtful
... Put the mildest sense you like on the word "tempt" and it will retain the idea of
an unfriendly testing; yet nothing could be more hearty in the end than the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 26 1880/for the candid and thoughtful.htm

Author's Preface.
... leading only a few souls to devote themselves more fully to God and to the salvation
of men, I shall be more than compensated for any unfriendly criticism with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/booth/godliness/authors preface.htm

The Daily Walk with Others (I. ).
... there. He is quite certain to be watched, whether the eyes are friendly
or unfriendly to himself and to his message and ministry. ...
/.../moule/to my younger brethren/chapter iv the daily walk.htm

Unfriendly (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Not friendly; not kind or benevolent; hostile;
as, an unfriendly neighbor. ...Unfriendly (1 Occurrence). ...
/u/unfriendly.htm - 6k

Attack (221 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) To assail with unfriendly speech or writing; to begin a controversy with;
to attempt to overthrow or bring into disrepute, by criticism or satire; to ...
/a/attack.htm - 37k

Unfruitful (8 Occurrences)

/u/unfruitful.htm - 9k

Unfrequented (1 Occurrence)

/u/unfrequented.htm - 7k

Jehoahaz (22 Occurrences)
... by his father Jehu. The neighboring kingdom of Judah was still unfriendly
to any member of the house of Jehu. Elisha the prophet ...
/j/jehoahaz.htm - 23k

Enmity (23 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.) Hatred; hostility; unfriendly disposition. 2.
(n.) A state of opposition; hostility. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ENMITY ...
/e/enmity.htm - 15k

Defies (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Defies (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 18:1 An unfriendly man
pursues selfishness, and defies all sound judgment. (WEB NIV). ...
/d/defies.htm - 6k

Pursues (15 Occurrences)
... He loveth. (See NAS RSV). Proverbs 18:1 An unfriendly man pursues selfishness,
and defies all sound judgment. (WEB NIV). Proverbs ...
/p/pursues.htm - 10k

Assault (8 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) To attack with moral means, or with a view of producing moral effects; to
attack by words, arguments, or unfriendly measures; to assail; as, to assault ...
/a/assault.htm - 11k

Selfish (14 Occurrences)
... selfish gain. (WEB NIV). Proverbs 18:1 An unfriendly man pursues selfishness,
and defies all sound judgment. (Root in WEB NIV). Proverbs ...
/s/selfish.htm - 10k

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