I was asked a very good question a couple of years ago about friends that’s worth revisiting:
Have you ever found that you have friends in your life, but realize that you have outgrown them? If so, how did you deal with that?
Maybe you’ve been asked this question also. As you’re looking at 2023 and making goals, know that your relationships are important. I talked about this in my last two posts on Divine Connections. I hope this answer helps you.
When common interests change the relationship can naturally change - you spend less time together, make less of an effort to be together, don't talk as much, and more. It can die a slow death, so to speak. My husband says it this way, "You're still my friend you're just my different friend." That truly explains it.
When I got married, and experienced other life events (being ordained, becoming a Pastor, etc.), my friendship circle changed. Sometimes life events cause those changes naturally. Sometimes Holy Spirit causes changes when you listen and cooperate with Him.
You must prune, just like Jesus does. (This was also mentioned in the Divine Connections post.) You must remember that everyone isn't intended to be a part of your entire journey, but many are. You will need wisdom and discernment to know what changes are needed. It’s important to recognize seasons, who are a part of them, and what they are teaching us, as well as who may no longer be a part of the season you find yourself in.
"There is a season (a time appointed) for everything and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven." (Ecclesiastes 3:1 AMP)
Your relationships should be built on:
"As iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens [and influences] another [through discussion]." (Proverbs 27:17 AMPC)
I'm not saying people are expendable based on what they can do for us. What I am saying is, relationships require agreement. Light and dark cannot exist together. Also, people matter. Just because a relationship changes your love and concern for the person should not.
This is some of the criteria you can use to evaluate your inner circle:
"Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?" (Amos 3:3 NLT)
"And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand." (Mark 3:25 NKJV)
I'm not saying you need to be carbon copies, but you must have agreement on what's important in life, what you value. Your inner circle should sharpen you, challenge you to be better, not cause you to stumble and fall. Plants are pruned to keep them healthy and to help them to continue to grow. Relationships need that same attention for the same reasons.
Ask Holy Spirit to show you what goes into any new season He directs you to walk in.
Be Encouraged! ❤
(Updated From the Vault of LWM)