Devotion

Friends and Acquaintances
Romans 12:9-10 (NLT) Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.

I’ve experienced befriending people who I thought cared as much about me as I did for them. But the sting of disappointment led me to realize that I can’t blur the lines between friends and acquaintances.  I had to separate the two and appreciate them both for what they bring into my life. This has helped me to have healthier and more meaningful relationships with the people who will ride or die with me as well as with the people who come and go – yet, add variety and enjoyment to my life. I hold the responsibility of being the best version of a friend to my comrades as they are to me. But I cannot place my expectations of friendship upon my acquaintances that come and go. Friend or acquaintance – they’re both a blessing, especially when I embrace the genuineness of both relationships. All in all, I’m grateful for the Friend I have in Jesus. He’s my Joy in all the relationships I have.