A Unique Way to Make Friends

by Dale Harcombe | More from this Blogger

13 Oct 2009 01:25 PM

It's funny how one things often triggers another. I've just posted my first post recently on the home blog about gardens and it made me think of a couple I used to know.

This couple had a prolific vegetable garden. They grew far more than what they needed. They did that for a reason. Why? They then used the produce from the garden to give to neighbors. This couple didn't want to stay unconnected to their neighbors, so they made a visit to the neighbors taking some of the excess vegetables. As a result, over time, they built up a friendship with the neighbors.

Sometimes that's all it takes - something as simple as that to build up a relationship and then a friendship.

The majority of those who become Christians do so because a Christian has taken the time to build up a relationship with them. Once you have established a relationship with a person t is easy then to invite them to church or another Christian gathering. Statistics show that most people who start attending church do so because they have been invited by a friend or family member.

Okay, I can hear you saying but I'm not a gardener. Neither am I, though I do love gardens and what comes from them. So instead you might have a skill or talent you could share with neighbors. In a book I'm reading at the moment the woman has a passion for knitting and she starts classes who helps people learn to knit. I'm not a knitter either so that wouldn't work with me.

Basically it's a matter of looking at your life and the things you are interested in and the skills you have and connecting with people who have similar interests. Not so you can hit them over the head with the gospel message and their need to be saved. But so you can build up a friendship. The rest will happen of its own accord.

So for example I might look at my life and define my interests. They include writing, singing, tennis, books, live theater, movies, good news about Jesus.football.

Now you may think none of these open up too many opportunities for sharing the gospel. But you'd be wrong. Once a relationship is established, it's easy to progress past superficial conversations to those that matter.

Related blogs Gardens Reveal So Much

What Makes a Good Friend?

Is It Time to Make Friends?

Using God's Gifts

Part of the Problem

Learn more about Dale Harcombe

Dale has a passion for books and writing. She writes in various forms, from articles to poetry to fiction for children and adults.

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