Be Who God Made You To Be

All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.

“Okay, everyone, let’s play a game of Marco Polo!” Abigail said as she approached the other kids in the pool.

Tonya frowned, watching as everyone readily agreed, getting into position for the game. Tonya’s older sister Abigail was an incredibly outgoing person who was able to make friends easily wherever she went, while Tonya was a shy girl who usually found just one or two friends with whom she could hang out. Just then, Tonya saw a young girl sitting alone on the edge of the pool. What was it her parents would always say? “Each style of friendship is important and needed in life. Be who God made you to be. The important thing is that you are looking for the person who needs a friend.”

Tonya walked over to the girl. “Would you like to play too?” she asked. The girl nodded as Tonya took her hand and they walked toward the larger group.

No matter who we are or how we most naturally make friends, we can include others in our circles of relationships, at school, church, or in our own neighborhoods, in a way that is unique to us. It doesn’t really matter if we’re outgoing like Abigail and make a lot of friends at one time, or are more introverted like Tonya, seeing the needs of just one person—God will still use each of us to show his kindness and love toward others.

We were meant to complement one another. This means that although our roles may be different from one another’s, no one’s part is greater or more important than another. We are each a piece of Christ’s body together, made uniquely, to fulfill our individual roles (and that includes friendship with others). Don’t be afraid to step out with whatever personality style God has given you. Don’t wish you were more like someone else around you. And don’t reject the people God asks you to befriend. You may just be the best person for the job.

Things to Think About

• What is your personality like? Are you more outgoing or shy?
• How do you feel most comfortable making friends?

DAILY ACT OF FRIENDSHIP

Use your friendship style to include someone who may be feeling left out, whether it’s as part of a large group or just one on one.