How to make more friends!

Two Saturdays ago, while on my way for a dance party, I was thirsty, and I talked to God about having exceeded my budget. At the venue, I met a James. He sat next to a close friend of mine, but before I’d catch my breath, James had already bought each one of us a bottle of coke including water. (Exactly what I had wanted).

He was a typical stranger, but by the time the party was escalating, I’d already saved his number among my contacts. His generosity made him an extra friend, or should I say, his gift MADE room for him; in that I had to accommodate him in any way possible, which could not have happened if he hadn’t been that kind.

Another time, I so much looked forward to this friend’s wedding launch. To my horror, not more than 20 people turned up. This young man was quite popular in some circle, and I had expected more from his friends. But God in a whisper said, “The people you expected to come didn’t have money.”
“I thought they had no time…”
“Even if no time they had, they’d have wired the money electronically if they had it.”

From that day I understood that earning is not only for the meeting of needs but also for making, maintaining and lengthening friendships. If you think about it, we always dodge people who are constantly begging cash. We’d say that they are poor, but there are some poor who work hard never to be in such a victimized position.

A point I reached, where all my being asked, “Why all this generosity?” You see, my thoughts veered towards the notion that the people I was giving to never gave back to me. I’m sure if you are the generous type, you somehow expect people to remember your birthday and return the favor. Even Jesus said that when we give, we should never expect anything in return.

I’ve been down this path many times. And sometimes I out-give my current reserves. Of course knowing that he that gives will also have others give to him, somewhat comforted me. But God added another generosity motivator:

Proverbs 19:6b says that EVERY MAN is a friend to one who gives gifts. Take emphasis on ‘every man’. That includes every human being; your supposedly ‘mean bosses’, or hostile in-laws. It includes that parent that denounced you as their son or daughter. It includes that brusque neighbor, that grumpy child, or that lecturer that just hated you at first sight.

James’ gesture included me among that ‘every man’ category. I didn’t know him, but at that moment, I became his friend so much that, even if someone walked in accusing him of thievery, I wouldn’t believe it. Even if it were you, how dare would you side with the accuser after enjoying the man’s drink or meal!

That aside, understand that your wealth will make you so many friends. Some that you have, aren’t close. Even some of your family members won’t care if you exist within the family tree, until you sprinkle some golden sunshine their way.

I once was added to a cousin’s guest list because of the small pledge I fulfilled towards his wedding. I clearly heard another family member’s name being drowned out as the groom said, “That person hasn’t even coughed a dime. Scrap him off.”

When your pocket is in good state, you’ll begin sighing at how many invitations you’ll receive. (Proverbs 19:6a says many will entreat [INVITE] the favor of a generous man). MANY—will! And I am not imploring you to give so much until you’re in debt. No! Just always find something to give when an opportunity presents itself.

And do not think you’ll only make more poor friends. I’ve seen my gifts capture the attention of men way richer than me; and because of that, they can pick up when I call.

This is when I roll the ball to your end of the pitch. Make the money, but remember that earning is not only for the meeting of needs, but also for making, maintaining and lengthening friendships.

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Proverbs 19:4 Wealth makes many friends, but the poor man is avoided by his neighbor.