Proverb for Today

A man who has friends must show himself friendly, and there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24, MEV)

Devotional Thought

Friendship. Close friendship. We all want deep, meaningful relationships. But many of us struggle to develop them.

To be transparent, I’ve been burned enough times by people I trusted and respected, I struggle to be the first to reach out and develop new friendships. Call me cynical or skeptical, but I think you can relate in some way.

It’s not the right outlook, and something I’m working on. Because quite simply, in order to have friends, we have to be friendly.

I’d encourage you to take some intentional steps towards building friendships today, both new relationships and existing ones.

The person who randomly comes to mind? Text them an encouraging message. Reach out to see if they need anything.

The coworker you’ve been interacting with regularly? Invite them to coffee. Get to know them.

The person in your church who sits across the auditorium? Ask them and their family to a meal on Sunday. Enjoy time together.

Be the friend to them you’d want them to be to you.

In each instance, I think you’ll be surprised how much you have in common. God gives each of us unique life experiences to enhance our ability to relate to those around us, ultimately to point them to Jesus.

Reflect and Respond

• • Who in your day-to-day life do you need to develop a better friendship with? Write down their name and one way you can encourage them today.
  • Who at work should you reach out to and encourage? Write down their name and one way you can encourage them today.
  • Who at church can you bring yourself alongside and grow together? Write down their name and one way you can encourage them today.