Speak To People
There is nothing as nice as a cheerful word of greeting. A cheerful start may turn strangers to good friends. A candle does not loose its light by lighting another candle - we have nothing to lose by greeting others.
Smile at People
It takes 72 muscles to frown; 14 to smile. Smile is a magnetism which pulls others to you. It is the key that unlock hearts.
Be Yourself
When we initiate a friendship, honesty is the key. Do not pretend and go pleasing others. By the end of the day, you might have friends, but you will certainly be miserable because you cannot be anybody else but yourself.
Accept Others
Man are created by God and has God's image in him. God has also creatively make each individual different from others. No man is totally alike. We have to learn to accept others as they are.
Be Helpful
No man is an island. Man needs one another. When others need assistance, we should give them a helping hand. A friend in need is a friend indeed. Be a good Samaritan.
Be Forgiving
To forgive and forget is not only an important part of making friends but one of the most important character a Christian should acquire. The Lord's prayer teaches us : "Our Father in heaven...Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors."(Matt 6:12) A good life can't go on without forgiving and forgetting. Bury the past, as Spurgeon said ,"When you bury a mad dog, do not leave his tail above the ground."
Be Joyful
Can you imagine a Christian that always carry a 'papaya face'? If you claim to have the peace that passes all understanding and the joy of the Lord, remember to inform your face! As we grow in the Lord, our faith should also be on the increase. Thus as faith increases, confidence steadies our nerves and directs our steps. Our confident, joy and peace from the Lord will surely draws people to befriend us.
Be Patient
Patient is one of the seven fruits of the Holy Spirit. A hot temper person will drive friends away!"Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared."
Be Cautious With Criticism
Be generous with praise but be cautious with criticism. Thought should not pass our lips first and our mind later.
Love
If we follow the 9 commandments above but have no love, we gain nothing!
If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams , and endeavours to live the life which he has imagined , he will meet with success unexpected in common hours.
Last updated: Sunday, July 23, 2000 01:14:02 PM