Janet Thompson, founder of Woman to Woman Mentoring Ministry, shared a conversation she had about friendship. When I read it, I asked her to help us Upgrade our Friendships. She shares four ways she expanded her own friendship circles.
Janet wrote:
“ ‘You sure do have a lot of friends!’ a friend exclaimed laughingly.
‘That’s what we prayed for,’ my husband, Dave, and I answered in unison.”
Have you ever prayed for friends? I prayed that same prayer about 10 years ago, and God has answered with an abundance of women I now cherish—valued companions in life and ministry.
Janet continues …
As newlyweds, we asked God to bless us with Christian “couple” friends. God answered that prayer beyond our expectations.
We knew it would be important for us to have a social life comprised of couples who shared our values and beliefs, so we intentionally prayed asking God to bring friends into our married life.
1. Looking For Friends Outside the Box!
Dave and I met in a small-group Bible study, so we had a head start on our quest for friends.
We were also willing to look outside our church home of Saddleback Church, so when I heard about a Marriage Builders class offered at another church, we decided this was perfect preparation for our upcoming marriage. We made more friends, and the pastor who taught Marriage Builders officiated at our wedding.
Then I heard a radio advertisement for a Caribbean cruise with Calvary Church. What a great way to spend our honeymoon—on a cruise with Christian couples. Again, it didn’t matter what church they attended. We were all in the family of God. We had fun being the “newlyweds” on the cruise and came home with a new group of friends.
Dave and I were also intentional about inviting other couples—people we met at the gym, at church, in the grocery store, friends of friends— to join our small-group Bible study. As the group expanded, so did our circle of friends.
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity” (Proverbs 17:17).
2. Moving, an Opportunity for New Friends
We bought a mountain cabin, and even though we were “weekenders,” we attended the local church, had couples over for dinner and hosted game nights. Soon people were saying I should run for mayor, because I knew so many people in town.
Then two years ago, we made the major move from Southern California to the mountains of Idaho. I wondered how we would make new friends, but I didn’t wonder for long. Again, we joined the local community church where the members embraced and welcomed us. Soon we had invitations to potlucks, football parties, game nights and social events.
3. Vacation with the Family of God
We decided to celebrate our 20th anniversary like our honeymoon, with Christian couples on the “Love Song Couples Getaway.” In one week, we made friends from all over the country who have become near and dear to us.
4. Friendships Are Our Witness
As Christians, someone is always watching us and we never know what aspect of our lives is influencing them. In Praying for Your Prodigal Daughter, I tell the story of my daughter, Kim, who was contemplating becoming a Christian and worrying that she might not have any friends.
“Well, you and Dave have so many friends,” she said, “and you’re always having a good time. I guess I don’t need those [unbelieving] friends who won’t accept me.”
Friends enjoying wholesome activities together is a testimony that Christians have fun and fellowship.
It’s important to also befriend nonbelievers, but those we share our lives with should share our morals and our values.
There are potential friends everywhere, so go out and make a new friend!
Where have you found your most cherished friend? Did Janet give you any ideas for where you might cultivate new friendships?
Janet Thompson is an international speaker and an award-winning author of 17 books, including: Dear God, They Say It’s Cancer and Dear God, He’s Home!-A Woman’s 
Guide to Her Stay-at-Home Man. Janet is the founder of Woman to Woman Mentoring and About His Work Ministries. Visit Janet at womantowomanmentoring.com and connect with her on Facebook or Twitter.
Photo in text, adapted. Image courtesy of Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net