I believe friendliness is an important key to success. We all know people who automatically notice every person they meet on the street and acknowledge them with a smile, nod, compliment, or greeting. Others are too shy, afraid, selfish, self-absorbed, task driven, or arrogant to give others the time of day.
Friendliness or unfriendliness can be imparted through learned behavior. I thought my grandpa and my dad knew everyone because they never seemed to meet a stranger. People gravitated to them. On the other hand, unfriendly disgruntled people are loners because their unspoken words translate, “Stay away from me!” How do you win friends and influence people? Be friendly!
Proverbs 18:24
“A man that has friends, must show himself friendly.”
Practical Application and Assignments:
When I was young we went out to eat at the same buffet almost every Sunday. The cook always had my dad’s omelet ready in advance. My mom asked, “Why do you only remember his order?” He said, “It’s simple. I remember him. He always compliments me.”
- Answer the following questions: In what ways do you react differently to people who are congenial and those who are unfriendly? Which category do you fit in?
- Don’t make excuses for unfriendliness. The only thing it takes to re-program a behavior is the desire to change.
- Sincerely care about people and it will become a natural response to show interest in them. Genuine congeniality is not a “fake it, until you make it” attitude. It is not, “I have to be friendly to keep my job.” Insincerity always exposes itself. “Let your love be sincere…” Romans 12:9 (AMP)
- Unlock the door. Friendliness is the key that opens the door to relationships.
“Do a favor and win a friend forever. Nothing can untie that bond.” Proverbs 18:19 (MSG)
