Friendships = Focusing on Others

"A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother."  Proverbs 18:24  Friendships are not a "given" in life.  Many people complain that others are not friendly to them and they don't feel they fit in at work, church, or in family life.  Yet this scripture shows that the prescription for having friends is to be friendly to others first.  We need to be the first to offer friendship to others and focus on their comfort and needs.  When we truly are concerned for others, praying for them, talking to them, serving them, and loving them through the trials of life, we build lasting friendships that can be even stronger than blood relative relationships.  Lord, help us to examine our friendships to be sure we are not making them all about us, but that we are being a blessing to our families, friends, and ministry/work associates giving them the support/encouragement they need to be successful.  Help us to be true caring friends to all you bring into our circles of life.  Thank You for being that kind of friend to us!  In Jesus' name, Amen.