The Value of Having Christian Friends

• Posted: August 11, 2025

As Christians, we are designed by God for community with Christ at the center. Christian friends not only enhance our faith journey, but they are instrumental in the growth and longevity of our faith. Christian friendships provide many benefits. The Bible abounds with proclaiming the value of having godly friends.

For children, this is even more important as they are growing spiritually and emotionally. Here are just a few benefits of having Christian friends that are vital for our kids:

Focused on Jesus 

The account of the paralyzed man who was carried by his friends and carefully lowered on a mat through a roof so Jesus could heal him is incredibly impactful (Mark 2:1-12). Without his friends, the paralyzed man could not reach Jesus. When our kids have Christian friends, they not only keep them focused on Jesus, they sometimes take our kids right to Him in times of need.

Encouraged and Built Up

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11) Our kids’ Christian friends can encourage and build them up, and walk beside them in difficult times when they don’t naturally turn to their parents. Our kids need good friends who pray for them and with them, inspire them to do good works, and set an example of a life pleasing to God. 

Accountable and Corrected 

We all need accountability in our Christian walk. We have blind spots in areas that may need correction, and our kids are no different. Paul declares, “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33). So, when a Christian friend speaks the hard truth, it is enlightening and edifying. 

Companionship and Courage 

Only 4% of all American adults hold a biblical worldview, so our kids are immersed in a culture where Christians are in the minority. It takes courage for our kids to live their faith in an environment where their views are different. Besides being different, even sharing their faith can be scary. Having a Christian friend by their side is priceless during these times. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, “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.”

A Visual Reminder

So, what if your child doesn’t think it’s important to have Christian friends? Here is a simple hands-on activity that can visually demonstrate how the influence of non-Christian friends can pull them away from their beliefs. 

Choose 2 people to participate. Have the larger, stronger person sit on a kitchen chair. This person represents a faith-filled believer. Have the other person sit on the floor beside the chair, representing the friend who does not share the same faith. Say, “Ok, you both are going to hold hands and try to pull the other person in your direction. Who do you think will win?” They will guess that the stronger person will win and will be able to pull the person on the floor up to them. Count to 3, then see what happens. The person on the floor will be able to quickly pull the person on the chair down, no matter the difference in size and strength. Due to gravity, the pull down will always be stronger. In a tangible way, your child will see that spending time with friends who don’t share their faith could pull them down quite easily and might weaken their faith over time.

Our kids are constantly being shaped by the people around them — and friendships are one of the most powerful influences in their lives. As parents and caretakers, we can’t choose our children’s friends for them, but we can guide, model, and intentionally pray as they navigate these relationships. So take time to talk with your kids about their friendships, and encourage connections with peers who share their faith and values.

Remember: When our kids walk with Christian friends, they’re not walking alone — they’re supported in their walk with  Christ. Want more insight on this topic? Listen to this podcast episode: How Can I Influence My Children’s Friends for Christ?