Resource Details

Scriptures Used
Luke 5:27-32 (NIV); Matthew 11-18-19 (NIV); 1 Thessalonians 2:8 (NIV)
Better friends make a bigger difference.
How to Be a Good Friend (Like Jesus):

1. Go to them where they are.

ACTION PLAN: Think about activities that are a normal part of your day-to-day life. Do you go to a gym? Do you have kids in sports? Become involved in the lives of people around you and ask the Lord to open your eyes to see them the way he does. Pray for opportunities to take steps, develop relationships, and build friendships with those you meet this week.

2. Accept them for who they are.

ACTION PLAN: Jesus made friends with people just as they were and allowed himself to be known just as he was. Look at your circles of influence and initiate conversations with those you see on a regular basis but haven't connected with yet. Begin to build friendships by asking them questions about themselves and listen for areas that you have in common. Let your guard down to be known by others. Challenge yourself this week by starting a conversation with two of those people.

3. See them for who they can become.

ACTION PLAN: Think about who you were and the life you led before you met and surrendered your life to Jesus (see week one: day one of the One Life Journal). When you encounter someone this week who doesn't know him and may rub you the wrong way, imagine what they could be like after they have experienced a taste of transformation through the power of God.

4. Do life with them.

ACTION PLAN: Jesus loved parties (or any opportunity he had to be with people in a relaxed setting) like dinners with tax-collectors! Who can you open your home to this month? Pray for whoever it might be, then plan out when you'll offer the invite.
Goal: Make my home a hospitable hub of friendship.