Tips for Finding Friends

[Forum Administrator]

10 Tips for Finding Friends
From New Life Ministries
 
1. Waiting at home alone for God to send you friends won't work. The Bible tells us that God designed us to be interactive with others. We are encouraged to seek fellowship with like-minded people. Take a step of courage and place yourself in situations where potential friends are, like a church group or other social clubs.

2. If you want a friend - be a friend. Pouring your life into someone else opens the door for deeper intimacy. A self-involved person has limited their opportunities for healthy friends.

3. Keep your motives pure. Proverbs 22:11 says - He who loves with a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend.  Avoid manipulation and don't desire someone's friendship for social status or other selfish reasons.

4. Don't rush it. Often, people who are desperate for friends overwhelm potential friends by getting too personal right away. This can scare off acquaintances who might become friends over time. Deep, lasting friendships take time to develop.

5. Give your friends grace to fail you. Proverbs 17:17 says - A friend loves at all times...  They are not perfect. Address conflict with gentleness and respect.

6. Work on yourself. The healthier, balanced person you become, the more attractive you are as a friend. Emotional growth and maturity are very attractive character assets.

7. Smile. You'd be amazed at how people will respond to a simple smile. You may be the bright spot of their day. Who wants to "connect" with a frowning sour-puss?

8. Be honest, but loving. Proverbs 27:6 tells us that wounds from a friend can be trusted. Be very careful with criticism. It should always be given to restore and build up, never to tear down.

9. A friend in need is a friend indeed! Have you heard this saying? Friendship is never more keenly felt than during times of difficulty. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up. - Ecc. 4:10

10. Listen! Friends are those rare people who ask how you are and then wait to hear the answer.