Why friendship is like a bank account

I am learning that friendship is like a bank account, in order for you to make a withdraw you need to first make deposits. It would be foolish for you to go to the bank and try pulling out money when you have not put any cash into your account.

Bible says that in order to have a friend you must first be friendly, as it says in Proverbs 18:24. In other words before you can partake in a friendship you must give to the friendship ( aka, deposit than withdraw). This past weekend I had the opportunity to dig deeper in regards to friendship, and I realized that I still have alot of learning and work to do.

In all relationships, it takes work. Fruitful relationships take more than an occasional call, a drive by hi, a "like" on your fb status or "I miss you" on your wall. There are deposits to be made. Lets talk about those deposits.

Investing time- Face it no one has the time, you gotta make the time! Set it and don't forget it!
Be Patient
Be Honest- There's a quote that says " I would rather be hurt by the truth, than be protected by a lie." That's truth right there!
Be Dependable- Can they count on you? Let your yes be yes and no be no ( ouch!)
Be Transparent- No fronts, No masks, straight up how you feel, how you do what you do and being real!
Be encouraging- There is so many discouraging things already in this world, use words to build each other up, not tear them down.
Be loyal- Remember that there are peaks and valleys in our own life, don't run for the hills when your friendship is in the valley!
Build Trust- Trust is the most important thing, don't lose it, and if you do, work hard to get it back.
Have understanding- How do you have understanding? You must communicate.truth.
Prayer- Pray with and for each other.
Love- Just love on each other!

Now as we are relating friendships to bank accounts, lets talk stocks. As you know investing in stocks cause risks. There are serious factors that would cause a stock to decline, the economy, bad business decision's etc. In friendship there are also some factors that could jeopardize your investment and the you are at risk of being hurt.

Here are a few, jealousy, pride, gossip, backbiting to name a few. These are toxic to any relationship and unfortunately they are easy to fall into if we are not careful.

I thought I knew all I needed to know about friendship back in high school, but the reality of it is that at the age of 36 I am still learning what it takes to be a good friend. I humbly admit that I fail. I can honestly say that my cup is running over with the ladies, and friends that the Lord has put in my life. He has blessed me abundantly and despite me being me, they love me anyway..

So to my friends, please be patient with me as I pursue being the friend God has desired me to be!
Moni

" A friend loves at all times" Proverbs 17:17