To make friends, be a good friend

“A man that hath friends must show himself friendly.”

—Proverbs 18:24 (KJV)

“Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold.” I remember sitting in a circle holding hands with other Girl Scouts as we sang this song about friendship.

As a young girl I didn’t fully understand the truth of these lyrics about friends. However, since those childhood days, I’ve embraced many God-given friendships. Like treasures of silver, gold and sparkling gemstones, they have added brilliance to my life, through mutual exchange, and helped me to be the person I am today.

I really enjoy and cherish many of my old near-and-dear friends. They’ve stood by me and provided support through many trials. The right friends will lift us up when our spirits are low. They provide encouragement, truth and compassion to our weary souls.

Recently I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some new people. These special people reached out to me. I’m glad they weren’t shy or timid but had the boldness to reach out and make new friends.

Oftentimes, we sit back and remain comfortable. We don’t recognize the need for letting anyone else into our inner circle, or making new acquaintances.

Friendship is not a one-way street. To make a friend we must show ourselves friendly. We must practice being the kind of friend that we would like to have. Then eventually we can reap what we sow.

By showing ourselves as friendly, with a kind smile or an invitation, it gives us the opportunity to meet people and make new friends.

Jesus had 12 close friends. Three of those 12 were more like besties. Plus, he had many other acquaintances. When he speaks to us about abundant life, part of the abundance is to have rich meaningful relationships.

In today’s talk about investments, friendship is the best investment we can make. Friends can bring meaning to our lives that money can’t buy.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author of the book “Letters To A Friend,” speaker, life and writing coach, and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com.