In the prime
of my days—that is now for me, just like it was for Job prior to his attack by
satan. It makes you leery to have things going well—to be known as a friend of
God. God has a lot of enemies. But still, I’d rather be friends with God than
anyone or anything else. …do you not know
that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever
wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. James 4:4.
When I was a teenager I remember overhearing my folks talk about a friend of
theirs who was scared about living in the country—away from the security of
town. Mom said that if her friend relied more on God she wouldn’t be so afraid.
I guess that made me want to hang onto God’s promise that if He is for us, who
can be against us? That friendship of God is an important security blanket.
Training Tip – It can be hard for some people to make friends.
Some of the best friendships I know of are ones that were established at church
youth groups—and some of the worst things to happen…happened at church, so again
it is a matter of choosing activities wisely. Adults have to be ones who can
provide good guidance and who can be trustworthy. Parents simply need to be
involved in their children’s activities, whether it is at church, sports, or
scouting events. Here are some good ideas for making friends.
1. Be available. Friends have to spend time
together—whether it is kids or adults. Woody Allen said “Eighty percent of
success is showing up.” That goes for success at a job or in any relationship.
Be there face-to-face, not just online. The more time you spend together, the
more likely you are to like each other.
2. Be part of a group. If you have like interests and
spend time together in a group, you are more likely to develop an acquaintance
into a relationship—a friendship. Groups might be school classes, craft
classes, sports teams, church groups—like Bible studies or just Sunday School
classes—hobby groups or book clubs.
3. Say nice things to others. Compliment others on
colors they wear, their clothes, or even their eyes. When you say something
about someone else, then that trait is unintentionally transferred to you
because of a psychological phenomenon of spontaneous trait transference. Keep
your comments positive so that people will see you in a positive light.
4. Set a target—make three new friends this month. When
you are in a situation where you can meet new people—make an effort to do more
than just say hello.
5. Smile a lot. It makes you look more friendly to
others.
6. Make friends of friends-of-friends. Good place to start
expanding your circle of friends.
7. Be aware of cultural difference, such as not just
dropping in unannounced and the giving of hostess gifts.
8. Be happy with those who are rejoicing…and comfort
those who mourn.
Show love—that is the best way to win friends
and influence others.
Lord Jesus, we praise You. Please continue to cover
our home with Your love and friendship and guide us as we make friends with
others, sharing Your love.
All
scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise
noted.
Bible
search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm
© 2013 by Mickey
M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
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