“But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God”. – Ruth 1:16 KJV

Sometimes friendships form almost instantly. You meet someone for the first time, and you knew immediately that there was no going back and your friendship with the person was going to be a good one.

Other times, even though you are surrounded by so many people, you do not feel any connection with them, you seek true friendship, and you ask, “where are my friends?”

Even for extroverts, it can be difficult to make friends, and it takes time but remember as we established earlier in this week’s devotional, friendship is intentional.

One key to unlocking new friendships and making new friends is going out of your way and finding common ground for conversation, being genuinely interested in people, those with whom you have mutual hobbies, interests, or life stories.

This could be friendships with those with similar life experiences or a mentor-mentee relationship, but the fact remains that it cannot be one-sided, do things for others, volunteer for something you care about, render a service, give an opinion on a post you see online, leave your comfort zone.

Relationships are like buildings, they are built piece by piece, and the first pieces, the cornerstones, must be the strongest. Physical activities like walking or going to the gym with a friend can create strong friendships because when you’re doing something like exercise where you challenge yourself having a friend by your side makes it much more fun.

The shared experience of something difficult is a great way to form the cornerstone of friendship.

Embarking on friendships as an adult can be terrifying, exciting, rewarding, and challenging. Nothing can replace the special connections you have with those who have known you over the years but taking that leap of faith is very helpful.

Naomi in the Bible, never expected to be friends with her daughter-in-law Ruth because she must have been thought, who would want to be friends with someone who has lost everything she has, but Ruth still stuck around.

It may be difficult, but do it anyway, your self-confidence may be low but send that message now, you may think you have nothing to offer, but ask anyway, just put yourself out there, comment on their post on blogs, social media platforms, etc. and watch what will happen and do not expect too much.

It may not happen immediately, but it will surely pay off.

Prayer Moment

• Father, I thank You for I know that you are my friend, always looking out for me.

• Father, I ask for the courage and grace to build healthy relationships.

• Father, please show me my friends and those with whom you have purposed for me to be in a relationship in this season of my life.

• I ask for divine connections—good friendships ordained by You.

• Thank You, Lord, that I can entrust myself and my need for friends into Your keeping. I submit to the leadership of the Holy Spirit, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Think Over it

What is God saying to me today?