Friendliness

I am not a friendly person . . . at least not to people who aren't my friends. I have no problem, and I even enjoy thoroughly, being friendly to my friends, but it is being friendly towards those I don't know well that I find intimidating and unpleasant. However, in Matthew 5, Jesus tells us to be friendly to all people and not just our friends. So, I want to obey. I want to please Jesus in every aspect of my life. I need to become friendly. I don't want to just act friendly, I want to be friendly. I've started practicing, and I've come up with a few pointers. My first and most important step? WRITE IT DOWN. Immediately after meeting someone new, I write down their name, a word or two to help me remember them, and a prayer need they have. I pray for them. Weeks go by, and I implement the second most important step: FOLLOW UP. I ask them how it's going with the job or the kids or the health matter they asked me to pray about. This is not only friendliness, it is compassion, and caring for the needs of others. It's vital if we are going to live Christ-honoring lives. How do you practice the art of friendliness in your life?