Proverbs 18:24 (KJV) A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
Having friends is so important. “Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (KJV) Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. 10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. 11 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? 12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”. Friends are there to support and help each others. Have a search in Proverbs and you find many examples. “Proverbs 27:17 (KJV) Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”
The way to have friends is to be friendly 1st. Friendliness includes: a friendly and kind countenance and smile, encouraging words, being helpful, making oneself available, a listening ear, keeping secrets and confidence. Actually if we walk in the fruits of the Holy Spirit we would be doing all these “Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” With friendship there needs to be trust, so one needs to be trustworthy. It also important to choose friends wisely. As you read Proverbs have a look what it says about fools and therefore avoid these type of people. Avoid a one sided friendship where you are a friend but they are not. We still should love people who are not our friends but friendship is different. Have a look what the bible says about friends and being a friend and chose those who are trustworthy and display the fruits of the Holy Spirit to at least some degree (we all are growing and becoming more fruitful). It takes time and effort to get to know people and then of become friends.

GOD Himself wants us to be His friends and therefore He made a way for us to come to Him and have that relationship with Him. Jesus Himself said in John 15:15 (KJV) “Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.” GOD Himself desired friends and therefore made the way for us who where His enemies to become His friends “Romans 5:8-11 (KJV) But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.”. Some have, are and will reject His effort but others gladly take His arm of friendship and start, are and will walk with Him in that special relationship.
Let us be friendly and make an effort to gain good and godly friends and also follow Jesus Christ example and extend the arm of friendship to those who don’t deserve it.

NOTE: Have a read of the devotion “How to keep friends – 2024.06.09” https://missioncommunities.network/2024/06/09/how-to-keep-friends-2024-06-09/