Friendliness

– Loving others the way God loves me –

As we grow in faith, we’re called to love others as God loves us. This kind of love shines brightly in the story of the Good Samaritan, showing us how to make others feel they truly belong. It’s not always easy, but it’s at the core of what it means to follow God.

Loving like God can be challenging, especially when we encounter people who are different from us or don’t return our kindness. Yet, these are the moments when our faith really matters. We’re asked to be friendly to everyone, mirroring God’s love for all, while also being wise about our closest friendships.
In 1 Corinthians 15:33, we’re reminded that “Bad company corrupts good character.” This teaches us to be thoughtful about who we spend the most time with, seeking friends who help us grow in our faith. But this doesn’t mean we should avoid those who don’t share our beliefs. Instead, we’re called to be a light in the world, showing kindness to all while finding our value and worth from God – not from friends.

Real friendship, based on God’s love, is about more than just being liked or popular. It’s about caring for others, supporting them, and helping them feel valued. As we build relationships, let’s always try to reflect God’s love, even when it’s hard. By doing this, we not only enrich our own lives but also become channels of God’s grace to those around us.

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.“ – Proverbs 17:17 (ESV)