Would you like to be a better friend? Here’s what I said about that yesterday.
Today, I want to amplify part of that help about being a better friend. It’s the part about living a joyful countenance.
We all love to be around happy, joyful, and positive people. These are people who are not always “heavy.” They are people who lift us up and encourage us.
How can you live a more joyful countenance?
First, live with intentionality. There’s not much about us that just happens. Though we often think, “that’s just the way I am,” it certainly is not the way you have to be.
Be intentional about blessing your friends. Be intentional about being helpful and encouraging, and be intentional about living a life of joy in the Lord.
Though there’s is much to be sad about, there is so much more to be joyful about when we “rejoice in the Lord” (Philippians 4:4). Paul said we were to rejoice in the Lord “always.”
Second, when you enter a room or a meeting, determine to acknowledge everyone and speak to everyone. I promise you that everyone needs and wants a “smile.” When you see people, deliberately smile appropriately. Each person you meet is a special object of divine love. Treat them as such.
Third, think about how you want to be treated and treat your friends in that way. For example, I want kindness, gentleness, understanding, and consideration. In fact, Scripture tells us to be “kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
Today, there are people everywhere who talk about confronting people with their mistakes and missteps. That certainly is appropriate in egregious conduct and on rare occasions, but the person who does that regularly will find themselves living without much significant human friendships.
Fourth, shun surliness, anger, and bitterness. This is also found in Holy Scripture. Paul told the churches to “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, with all malice” (Ephesians 4:31).
Finally, ask God to help you be a joyful, loving friend. Pray about all things, even the look on your face. God cares for you, and He cares how you treat others.