HOW YOU CAN MAKE Friends

SIX STEPS TO A LASTING FRIENDSHIP

3.  PAY ATTENTION WHEN OTHERS TALK.   Good attentive listeners often find it easier to have friends.  "Every man must be swift about hearing, slow about speaking,"  says the disciple James.  (James 1:19)  When you converse with others, show personal interest in their  feelings.  Encourage them to talk about themselves.  Take the lead in displaying  honor to them.  (Romans 12:10)  Then they will want to be with you.  Conversely, if  you monopolize every conversation, or constantly put yourself in the limelight, you will have a hard time finding someone who is ready to listen or who cares about your feelings and needs.

4. BE FORGIVING.  Jesus once told Peter to be ready to forgive "up to seventy-seven times."  (Matthew 18:21, 22)  A true friend is quick to overlook minor failings.  To illustrate:  Some do not like eating raspberries because of their little seeds.  Those who enjoy this fruit,  however, do not notice the seeds.  True friends are loved for their fine qualities; their minor faults are overlooked.   Paul exhorted us:  "Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely."  (Colossians 3:13)  Those who learn to be forgiving keep their friends.

Next time: 5. RESPECT THE PRIVACY OF OTHERS.

Watchtower, 2000