To have a friend, you must be a friend

Everyone desires a close friend—a person that is wise, selfless, caring, thoughtful. A person that listens, helps, and forgives. Many desire this relationship, but not many people know how.

I am a firm believer in this idea: to have a great friend, you must first be a good friend.

But how do you be a good friend? Jesus lays out the perfect blueprint for us in John 15:9–17. In this passage, we see that in the same way Jesus was selfless and loved people unconditionally, so we must we with others.

But how does this look in your day-to-day life? Here's just a few idea:

1. Go out of your way to be kind and talk with the person who no one is talking to. (not sure who? Just look around who is sitting by himself or herself and has their phone out....all the time)
2. Chose friends based on who a person is (a being made in the image of God) versus what a person does.
3. Listen to your friends problems rather than always telling them your own.
4. Text someone who you haven't seen in a while.
5. Talk to the new person who is a part of SM (Student Ministry). **hint hint** :D
6. Carry a pack of sticky notes in your backpack/purse/pocket and write a note to someone randomly
7. Pray with someone who you know is going through a rough time.
8. Forgive the person that hurt you and begin being kind to them.
9. Take the initiative to make everyone feel special and important.

No matter what you do, we are called to love others because Jesus loves them! If we are to be true disciples of Jesus, we should strive to live like Jesus, even when it comes to our friendships.

So pick someone from SM or even your school who you KNOW needs a friend. What will you do today to be a friend?