HOW YOU CAN MAKE Friends

SIX STEPS TO A LASTING FRIENDSHIP

1. BE A FRIEND.  Abraham was called  "Jehovah's friend" because of his unwavering faith.  (James 2:23) But there was an additional reason. The Bible says that Abraham demonstrated his affection for God.  ( 2 Chronicles 20:7)  He took the initiative and let his feelings be known to Jehovah.  (Genesis  18:20-33)  Yes,it  takes initiative to offer proof of your friendship. Jesus said:  "Practice giving, and people will give to you."  (Luke 6:38) A word of encouragement or a helping hand may be the seed from which a great friendship will grow.  American essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: "The only way to have a friend is to be one."

2. MAKE TIME TO CULTIVATE A FRIENDSHIP.  Most people desire the benefits of friendship.  Yet, they are too busy to invest the necessary time.  Romans 12:15, 16 encourages us to share he happiness and success, the sorrows and disappointments, of  others it says:  "Rejoice with people who rejoice; weep with people who weep.  Be  minded the same way toward others as to yourselves,"  Jesus Christ, though a busy man, always took time for his friends.  (Mark 6:31-34)  Remember, friendship, like a flowering plant, needs to be watered and nurtured for it to blossom-and that takes time.

Next time: 3. PAY ATTENTION WHEN OTHERS TALK.

Watchtower, 2000