“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falls; for he hath not another to help him up.”  Bible: Ecclesiastes

What makes a friend?

“The only way to have a friend is to be one.”  Ralph Waldo Emerson

If you desire a friend, be one. It’s amazing what a smile will do. Do you realize we have contact with people who have no friends, no true friends who love them as they are? To be a good friend, be friendly.

Who is your best friend?

“A friend is one who knows you and loves you just the same.”  Elbert Hubbard

My husband was my best friend — a tried and true friend. Loving and trying to understand me when others would toss me out! We did not think alike on many issues, but respected each other’s differences. We challenged each other to be better, to do better, and to grow.

And this has value now: we encouraged each other to build relationships outside our home. I am so thankful for friends who pray for me as I learn to navigate life alone.

Do you have friends from childhood?

If so, treasure that friendship. The first year after graduation, I was in eighteen states. My father called me a gypsy. I lost contact with the most precious people in my life-girls and boys I had known from 1st grade to graduation. I recently found a few of them. We may be a few years older, but the memories we share are priceless!

Do you make friends at work or in town?

Some strong relationships are built as you work side-by-side with others. You laugh and cry and share personal stories, and you learn to trust one another. I challenge you to find someone at work or in the shops you frequent who is less likely to have a string of friends. Smile at them, remember names, and compliment a job well done.  I am amazed how this has opened doors in my community to be an encouragement to someone.

Find a friend in your neighborhood –

Yes, neighborhoods are different from what they used to be; work and more activities pull them away from home. A single fellow lives up the road from me. He is not overly friendly as he drives by. However, for years I have prayed for him and waved and smiled every time I see him pull in or out of his driveway. Who do you think he will contact if he ever needs a friend?

“And if you are nice only to your friends, then you are no better than other people. Even people without God are nice to their friends.”  Matthew 5:45 ERV

You are my friend.

I seriously value your friendship and your trust. I hope that as you read Encouragement from the Heart, you will pray for me. I like to hear from you, how you are doing, and what topics are helpful to you. Thank you for being my friend!

For more fascinating quotes and poems, click here.

The Bible has some interesting advice on being a friend. Spend some time pondering these verses.

A man’s growth is seen in the successive choirs of his friends.  Ralph Waldo Emerson

The only way to have a friend is to be one.  Ralph Waldo Emerson

A friend is one who walks in when others walk out. Walter Winchell

“Two may talk together under the same roof for many years, yet never really meet, and two others at first speech are old friends.”  Mary Catherwood

A friend is someone who is there for you when he’d rather be anywhere else. Len Wein

Don’t walk in front of me, I may not follow. Don’t walk behind me, I may not lead.
Walk beside me and be my friend. Albert Camus