Reach Out & Be A Friend
“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT)
There is a blessing in being a friend! Not just any kind of friend but a true friend – a friend that’s there with you during the good times and bad times.
I think the most beautiful story about friendship can be found in the Book of Ruth in the Bible. Naomi, Ruth’s mother-in-law, was dealing with grief and despair due to the death of her husband and two sons. Ruth, left her own country to return to Bethlehem with Naomi. Ruth was committed to staying with Naomi, saying, ““Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.” (Ruth 1:16). As the story goes on, Naomi becomes a “match-maker” and instructs Ruth on how to approach Boaz, a man of wealth and exemplary reputation. Because of Ruth’s friendship and kindness toward Naomi, she scored a husband and became a key figure in the lineage of King David and Jesus Christ!
Being a friend can bring blessing to you also. I’m not promising a husband, but friendship can increase your sense of purpose, increase your self-esteem, help you to cope with difficult situations, and even improve your health. So, don’t neglect the connections that you have with your friends!
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: Effective listening skills is critical to building and maintaining friendships. Take time to really listen to your friends; listen to their feelings and validate their importance to you. Many times we fail to realize how someone is truly feeling because we don’t take the time to listen.
ACTION ITEM: Do you know someone who is dealing with sadness, depression, anxiety, sickness, grief, or even suicidal thoughts? Reach out to them TODAY and let them know that you love them and Jesus loves them. Encourage them to seek help and/or go with them to seek help. Most importantly, take the time to pray with them and be there for them! Through thick and thin – that’s a true friend!
CLICK HERE FOR A DAILY SCRIPTURE PRINTABLE TO KEEP YOU INSPIRED ALL WEEK LONG!
A Little More Faith 