CS Lewis
Friendship is the greatest of worldly goods. Certainly to me it is the chief happiness of life. If I had to give a piece of advice to a young man about a place to live, I think I should say, ‘sacrifice almost everything to live where you can be near your friends.’ I know I am very fortunate in that respect…
[Friendship] causes perhaps half of all the happiness in the world
Tim Keller
Adam was not lonely because he was imperfect, but because he was perfect. The ache for friendship is the one longing that is not because of sin…. This is one ache that is part of his perfection… God made us in such a way that we cannot enjoy paradise without friends.
Gregory of Nazianzus
If anyone were to ask me, “What is the best thing in life?”, I would answer, “Friends”
Aelred of Rievaulx
In human affairs nothing more sacred is striven for, nothing more useful is sought after, nothing more difficult is discovered, nothing more sweet experience, and nothing more profitable possessed. For friendship bears fruit in this life and the next
Esther Burr (Jonathan Edwards’ daughter)
Nothing is more refreshing to the soul (except communication with God himself), than the company and society of a friend.
J C Ryle
This world is full of sorrow because it is full of sin. It is a dark place. It is a lonely place. It is a disappointing place. The brightest sunbeam in it is a friend. Friendship halves our troubles and doubles our joys
John Stott (especially until 1:15)
Jesus Christ
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants… I have called you friends (John 15:13-15)
