Counsels on Lifestyle

Counsel #4 — Initiate Socializing

Picture: Counsel #4 — Initiate Socializing CLi 6.1

To make new friends, one must also be friendly. Initiate conversations. When you walk in your neighborhood, stop to visit with people you see in their yard. Ask people questions about themselves. Be a good listener. CLi 6.2

If you see someone standing by themselves at church or at a social gathering or workplace, introduce yourself. Make eye contact and smile! Ask them how their day/week is going, about their family, or something related to the environment around you (the sermon, the weather, the lunchroom, etc.).^[4] CLi 6.3

If you are in a group and no one is talking to you, it’s tempting to scroll your phone. Don’t! If you are introverted or find it hard to be interested in others, ask God for help in learning to care about people outside of your family or close friends. CLi 6.4

“A man [or woman] who has friends must himself be friendly. But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24 NKJV CLi 6.5

“Social advantages are talents and are to be used for the benefit of all within the reach of our influence.” Ellen White in Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 353 CLi 6.6

Reflect: Have you ever experienced feeling like an “outsider”? Describe a time when you’ve included the outsider, or you’ve initiated conversation with a “lonely-looking” person. CLi 6.7