The Secret to Having Friends

John R. Rice often described biblical theology as “profundity wrapped in simplicity.” This is one of those truths that is both deeply profound, and wonderfully simple. If you want friends… (wait for it) be friendly!

I am amazed at how many people don’t get this. You can’t purchase friends. You can’t impress people into being friends. You can only fiend real friends by being friendly – by taking on the heart of a servant.

Proverbs 18:24 says it this way, “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” I believe that friend is Jesus. He demonstrated, on the cross, what real friendliness was all about – laying down His life for people who didn’t even like Him. Even today, millions reject and mock Him, yet He gave His life for them that they might be reconciled to God, brought back into alignment and friendship with their Creator by a faith relationship with Him.

Jesus set the ultimate example. It’s easy for us to be friendly to people who are first friendly to us, but Jesus went further. He died for His enemies. This is our great example. You can win over the heart of your greatest enemy if you’ll serve him, and if he won’t be won, you will still come forth a winner for following in Jesus’ steps.

Want to win friends and influence people? Carnegie had some great advice about being a magnetic personality, but the greatest advice in all of eternity is simply this – show yourself friendly!