How to Add Value to Your Relationships

If you want good friends, be a good friend.

I think that is really something to reflect on this week...how good a friend am I? People have expectations of what they want in a friend (you can find out what the expectations are when people complain about their friends!) so turn it around and ask...Do I, "fill in the blank," for others?


Then Garth talked about practical, simple (though not necessarily easy) thoughtful ways of improving our relationships.

The one that particularly struck me was-
Demonstrate loyalty.
I liked his definition-Being on someone's side consistently. And that being on their side means that you will take on anyone that's coming after them, even if it is them themselves.

An open rebuke is better than hidden love!Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy. Proverbs 27:5&6

One aspect of this loyalty that came to mind is-be careful how you talk about that person. If you are on their side you will protect their reputation...if there is something that your family member, friend, neighbor, etc. needs to address in their life, address them about it or maybe include a person that will help in the issue...but it doesn't need to be discussed with everyone that knows that person. Don't we sometimes do this in the guise of "concern". Please pray for so and so He/She is....We can just ask them to pray for so and so. God knows what they need. Hey, this is an area I need to work on... Am I alone!