Our Family Time with God

Nov. 7, 2009

BE A FRIEND TO HAVE A FRIEND

Scripture Reading--Proverbs 18:24

"A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly:

and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother."

Everyone likes to have friends. Friends are a special blessing from the Lord. Without good friends, we will be lonely, miserable, and unhappy. Genuine friendships, however, do not just happen. They take effort not only to get started but also to continue throughout life.

When we look at God's loving example, we see that "we love him, because he first loved us" ( 1 John 4:19 ). God first loved us and initiated the relationship we now enjoy as His children. In response, we love Him in return.

When we apply this concept to friendships, a simple truth stands out: In order to have a friend, we must be a friend. As Proverbs says, we must show ourselves friendly. It also says that "a friend loveth at all times" ( 17:17 ). Change often challenges families, putting them in a new neighborhood, school, or church. Many of us tend to become isolated as we wait for others to reach out to us. If others don't befriend us , we can become resentful toward people we don't even know.

The key is friendliness. Friendliness can quickly bridge the gap and create great friendships that will be a source of blessing for many. Friendliness means to take an interest in others, particularly in those who are lonely and need a friend.

A smile, a greeting, a kind word, or an act of kindness can connect friends who will enjoy each other for years to come. Let's face it--at one time, even best friends didn't know each other. Somebody had to make the first move. In the end, both believers were blessed. Why not become a friendly person? You'll soon discover that you have many special friends.

BE A BLESSING: Choose someone who needs a friend. The next time you see that person, seek to be a friend by being friendly.

--Tom Palmer--