A man who has friends must himself be friendly…

Proverbs 18:24a NJKV

We live in a busy world, that is a fact. People are generally busy with life, family, work, career, accomplishing dreams, pursuing heights, doing things and there are those who are just busy doing nothing. Generally, life is busy.

Imagine this very busy life you have without someone you could truly call a friend. Someone you can call on just for a chat, someone you could bounce ideas off. Or ask for a hand when you need it. Someone who, no matter the geographical distance, you know is there if and when needed.

Friendship is not man’s design; it is God’s design for man. Man is an individual made to communicate.  We are communal beings. We do not thrive long term in isolation, instead we need one another. Friendship is a gift to remind us that while we are all individuals and thrive at being unique in our various ways, we need one another in this community called earth. Everyone needs a friend.

If you are to be counted as someone else’s friend, you must show yourself friendly. You must sow the seed of friendship in stepping out of your comfort zone and reaching out to others. Being friendly does not mean being at the mercies of others. On the contrary, being friendly is a deliberate effort and step towards ensuring someone else’s wellbeing is enriched through you. 

And like every good seed sown, it bears good fruit in the form of someone looking out for you when you least expect it—someone goes out of their way to see your life enriched. This is how things work. Now while you are not building friendship primarily to get friends in return, friends still come your way and not just any friends but good friends.

Your act of friendliness may be an answer to someone’s prayer. Showing kindness and going the extra mile for someone you don’t necessarily know may speak more volumes than you realise.

Make being friendly a lifestyle, not just something you do at Christmas or when it is convenient. Remember, it has nothing to do with your personality because it is an act (action) towards someone else.

One of my life’s mottos is Proverbs 3:3-4

Do not let MERCY and KINDNESS and TRUTH leave you (instead let these qualities define you)

Bind them (securely) around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, so find favour and high esteem in the sight of God and man.

As you walk life’s path armed with Mercy, Kindness and Truth towards people, you make friends along the way. Beyond just making friends, you live a life of favour!