What kind of a friend are you? When people think of you what are you remembered for?
Have you ever heard of the saying, “Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You”? — also known as, “The Golden Rule.” What does it mean?
Twenty centuries ago, Jesus talked about The Golden Rule and it is now etched into a mosaic in the United Nations. “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you…” (Matthew 7:12)
So, what did Jesus say about friendships? He did not say, “Do unto others so that they will do unto you.” It would be self-seeking. Nor did He say, “Do unto others so that they will not do harm to you.” It would be self-defensive. And He definitely did not say “Do unto others who are just like you.” It would be plain self-idolatrous. Jesus teaches us to do for others what we would have them do to us—even if they never give anything in return. That is self-sacrificial.
It is the desire for each of us to have friends, we all want that. Yet, how do you attain and keep good friendships? You must be the kind of person that when others think of you, it brings joy and thanksgiving to their heart. When your friends think of you does it bring them gratitude that they know you or is it dread that comes to their minds?
My children let this thought be on the hearts and minds of your friends when they think of you, may they be glad and thankful that they have you as a friend. May thoughts of your friendship fill them with joy. Be self-sacrificial and be the kind of friend to others that you wish people were to you. That’s right you do it first and then God will bring that other person into your life to be a true friend to you. May your friends thank God that they know you and have you as a friend in their life.
“I thank my God every time I remember you.” Philippians 1:3 NIV
Anchor In The Storm 