Be a Friend—to God and Others

Prayer – Lord, show me how I look to You. Am I a companion worthy of Your trust? Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. Psalm 119:18 

Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. 2 Timothy 2:22

Meditate. Consider your companions and their relationship to God.

Build a new relationship over coffee.
Bring God with you!

We become like our friends. Those are the people with whom we spend time, whether it is over coffee, a meal, a pickleball match, walk, or kayak trip. As Paul wrote to Timothy…Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. Associate with like-minded people.

A while back I wrote a blog post about what it takes to be a friend…and being a friend of God. Here are some of the ideas I posted:

1. Be available.
2. Be part of a group or club.
3. Say nice things to others.
4. Set a target.
5. Smile a lot.
6. Make friends with friends of friends.
7. Be aware of cultural differences.
8. Be happy with those who are rejoicing and comfort those who mourn.

Simply, be a friend to make a friend. Can you do that with God, as well as with other people? A good place to begin is in prayer…to draw closer to God and to others.

The same things are still valid today for making and being a friend. While being available is important, listening is a definite key—letting the other person, or God, know that you care about them. Focus on them, not yourself. God even likes to hear His words echoed in your prayers to Him. Just treat others the way you want to be treated…be like the friend you want.

Verse of Salvation ~ But I keep praying to you, LORD, hoping this time you will show me favor. In your unfailing love, O God, answer my prayer with your sure salvation. Psalm 69:13

 

© 2023 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted. 

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm. 

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