Next Wave International Next Wave International™ is a faith-based communications group >which is
training organizations to engage the future & move society forward
in a positive direction. Founder / Director: Mal Fletcher

Making Friends

Wednesday, April 22, 2026 Print version    PDA version    
Acts 20:35 'In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: It is more blessed to give than to receive.' (NIV)

Of all the common human needs, the greatest is the need to be loved. It's a two-sided coin. We need to be loved and we need to feel that we're able to give love in return. Psychologists tell us that one of the fundamental bases for a healthy self-esteem is the sense of belonging, the feeling that there is a person or people for whom we are special. We are social beings. Even the most ardent introvert on the planet will reach a point of insanity if cut off from human society for too long. We crave love because we were created in the image of a Being who not only feels love, or even decides to love, but is the very essence of love. We are made in the likeness of a Triune God, a God whose very nature is, in some mysterious way, all about community. So, loneliness is unnatural for us. One of the keys to building friendships is learning to show an interest in other people. It's not easy: we're often so preoccupied with our own concerns. However, if your social antennae are all bent inwards, you will not attract other people. Years ago, the New York Telephone Company made a detailed study of phone conversations and found that the most common word used on the phone, by far, is the personal pronoun 'I'. Not many people will take an interest in someone who is not interested in them. Try talking to people about their interests. What you sow, you reap: your interest in others will eventually be returned. In the end, it is better to give than to receive.

Prayer: 'Help me, Lord, to develop lasting friendships. Bring me out of any loneliness I might be feeling, and help me to show to a genuine interest in others.'

© 2003-2004 Mal Fletcher


If you benefit from Daily Recharge...
please consider making a donation to help us provide more.
(Prefer PayPal? Click here.)



Read Mal's new book...
'Five Big Ideas: Concepts That Shape Our Culture'


What's the world coming to? Check out Social Comment...
AI To Boost Cyber-Crime

Permission to reproduce this article    Send us your feedback    Send this to a friend


Search This Site

Add Next Wave to your Favorites
Latest News
BBC News
CNN Europe
EuroNews
Mal Fletcher Media Appeal
Austerity - Are Governments Wrong? Mal on BBC
Should Sunday Trading Be Extended? Mal on BBC
Racism vs Racial Identity - Mal on BBC
Are Churches Playing Big Brother? Mal on Premier Radio
Chips Under The Skin & Bio-Hacking - Mal on ABC Radio
More News...
Sign up for e-news

Want to keep in touch with what Next Wave is doing each month? Enter your email address below.

Your Feedback
I really really value the Daily Recharge. I always feel it's God's wisdom straight to whatever situation I'm facing. I'm so grateful to God that you've brought such awesome encouragement over the years & for committing your life to it.
laura Michelle Kelly, United States

I am a youth pastor in Poland. I discovered you about two months ago & I am very encouraged by your ministry. I like your wisdom & sound opinions. You are my hero even though I've never seen you and you don`t know me.
Slawek, Poland

Mal Fletcher is amazing; you should hear him preach. It's incredible. He came to my church in Norwich, England and just blew us away.
Lazarus, UK

Send us your feedback