THE BEAUTY OF FEMALE FRIENDSHIP: A Gift Jesus Himself Received

God made woman as His crowning creation; the finishing touch of His artistry; the final note of beauty in a world He called good. And from the beginning, He intended for men and women to bless one another through holy friendship. The Bible shows this with surprising clarity. It is not merely romantic love that God ordains but the deep companionship that honors Him, strengthens the soul, and reflects His own tenderness. Jesus Himself embraced this truth without hesitation—surrounded by women who supported His ministry, shared His burdens, and stood with Him when others fled.

We hear the Bible say that Jesus loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus—He loved them as dear friends (John 11:5). This house in Bethany was His refuge; a place where He could rest and be understood. Martha served; Mary listened; Lazarus was a brotherly anchor. Christ walked into their home with ease because friendship between men and women is not only possible but God-given when kept in purity and wisdom.

We see Mary Magdalene as another testimony to this truth. The Bible says Jesus cast seven demons out of her, and she followed Him with unwavering devotion (Luke 8:1-3). She stood at the Cross when many disciples were gone. She was the first to witness the Resurrection. Jesus trusted her with the greatest message ever delivered—“Go and tell My brethren…” (John 20:17). What clearer picture can be drawn of godly, faithful friendship?

And the Scriptures continue this pattern. Paul speaks of women who labored with him in the gospel—Priscilla, Phoebe, Euodia, and Syntyche—sisters in Christ who strengthened his ministry with courage and wisdom (Romans 16; Philippians 4:3). He told Timothy to treat “younger women as sisters, with all purity” (1 Timothy 5:2). Sisters—friends—companions in the faith, without suspicion, without fear, without shame. The Bible normalizes what the world tries to complicate: men and women can walk together in the light of Christ, with purity and affection, as siblings in the Lord.

Female friendship is beautiful because God made woman beautiful—not only outwardly but inwardly; not simply radiant in form but rich in compassion, insight, and spiritual strength. Many women in Scripture prove this—Deborah’s courage; Ruth’s loyalty; Hannah’s faith; Esther’s wisdom; Lydia’s hospitality. When a man receives these gifts through friendship, he receives something sacred. If it becomes something more—praise God. If it remains friendship—praise God still. Either way, the heart is enriched, and the Lord is honored.

In this world of confusion and suspicion, we forget how normal and holy these friendships can be. We forget that Jesus—our perfect example—cherished them. He did not push women to the margins. He welcomed them; spoke with them; taught them; listened to them. He allowed them to minister to Him. He entrusted them with truth. He affirmed their worth in the Kingdom of God. And in doing so, He taught us that friendships between men and women can reflect the very heart of God when grounded in purity, humility, and love.

So celebrate the women God places in your path. Honor them. Learn from them. Walk beside them as a brother in Christ. Let friendship flourish in the light of God’s goodness. After all, the Lord Himself enjoyed such companionship; He knew its blessing; He showed its beauty.

BDD