Did you know studies have shown that people with a large network of friends were more likely to outlive those without? It’s even been reported that both men and women who stated to be lonely in life were more likely to die sooner. In fact, our friendships not only affect our life span but the outcome of our lives as well.

Think about it, who is it we turn to when the rubber hits the road or the stuff hits the fan? It’s our friends! We are constantly dependent upon them to walk with us through our worst defeats and our greatest triumphs. We rely on them to help us make some of the most important decisions of our lives. In fact, I can’t think of anything in life we could go through that we wouldn’t want a friend there to help dry our tears, give us hope, and make us laugh. Friends are the greatest assets in life.

As much as we love having our friends the truth still remains that what we want in our friendships we seldom give. I guess that’s why Jesus felt the need to Advertisement

[ Berry-Bell and Hall Mortuary ] tell us that the second greatest thing we can do with our life is to love our friends. He said, "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind, and all your strength. The second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater than these." (Mark 12:30-31)

The greatest mistake most of us make in our relationships is that we neglect to be a great friend. Think of it, how would your life change if you decided to be the friend to others that you always wanted for yourself? I can tell you this; if you did that you would never be lacking in quality friendships the rest of your life.

A.A. Milne, the author of the Winnie-the-Pooh, books wrote this: "You can’t stay in your corner of the forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes." Maybe it’s time you left your corner. The one that’s been keeping you from quality friendships and started being the friend you’ve always wanted and started loving others like you love yourself.