There is nothing wrong with having a close friend in the congregation. However, at 2 Peter 1:7, we are encouraged to supply love (a·gaʹpe) to our “brotherly affection” (phi·la·del·phiʹa, a compound word of phiʹlos, the Greek word for “friend,” and a·del·phosʹ, the Greek word for “brother”). In order to enjoy enduring friendships, we need to apply this counsel. We do well to ask ourselves, ‘Are my feelings of friendship balanced with Bible principles?’

God’s Word helps us to avoid partiality in our dealings with our friends. We do not apply double standards: a relatively lenient standard for our friends and a different, stricter standard for people who are not our friends. Furthermore, we do not use flattery to make friends. Most important, applying Bible principles gives us the discernment needed to be selective in choosing friends and to avoid ‘bad associations that spoil useful habits.’​—1 Cor. 15:33.

The apostle Paul wrote: “Let your love be without hypocrisy. . . . In brotherly love have tender affection for one another.” (Rom. 12:9, 10) Indeed, Christians enjoy ‘love (a·gaʹpe) without hypocrisy.’ This love is not limited to an emotion that wells up in our hearts. Rather, it is deeply rooted in Bible principles. However, Paul also speaks of “brotherly love” (phi·la·del·phiʹa) and “tender affection” (phi·loʹstor·gos, a compound word of phiʹlos and stor·geʹ). According to one scholar, “brotherly love” is “affectionate love, showing kindness, sympathy, offering help.” Combined with a·gaʹpe, it promotes close companionship among Jehovah’s worshippers. (1 Thess. 4:9, 10)