THE ART OF FRIENDSHIP
know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34–35)
Our connections and relationships will have lasting influence and could potentially change the course of someone’s eternal life. Just like the possibility of a butterfly’s flapping wings could prevent or cause a tornado, if we could tweak our perspective just a little, we have the potential of impacting the lives of those around us exponentially, especially through friendship.
We must understand that we are connected to each other. In the verse above, Jesus commands us to love one another. If one of us suffers, we all suffer. If one is honored, we all party alongside the one who is honored. This connec- tion is how others can find hope. They will see how we are connected, and we can use that as an entryway to start a relationship with others.
What we feel and do has an impact on those around us. It is up to us to choose to influence them positively. Here’s your challenge: practice all five aspects of friendship with those who are already in your life that you call a friend. Then, begin to show them to those you do not know, starting with connection. Let your emotions and actions be a catalyst for life change in someone else’s life.