Riddle time! Jesus had them while on Earth, you have them, your grandma has them, the little kid on the playground in elementary school does, too. Who am I?
The correct answer— a friend!
Friends impact us to the core of our being and form a lens in which we view life through. Just think about it, how your friends act, what they think, and talk about impacts all areas of your life, for good or for bad.
For me, starting in elementary school through my current life at Iowa State University, I have leaned on my friends for love and support. I have been in awe of how the Lord has provided Godly gals for me in each season. Currently, my inner circle is made of my two closest friends, Hannah and Tessa. They are quick to point me back to Jesus when I stumble or am seeking advice. Their friendship is sweet to my soul.
An inner circle is a small group of friends that are Jesus-loving gals
who are quick to remind you of truth from the Bible.
On another note, many of the Gospels point to Peter, James, and John being in Jesus’s inner circle. An inner circle is a small group of friends, maybe two or three, that are Jesus-loving gals who are quick to remind you of truth from the Bible. An inner circle is not an exclusive group, but rather a group of people that are like-minded, quick to support you, and who you are also quick to support. These gals should live out Proverbs 27:17 saying, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Meaning that you should all be pushing each other to live more like Jesus each day while teaching each other what the Lord is teaching you.
I am a gal who loves lists. Lists help to make information concise and easy to understand. I have compiled a list of the top 5 things that my inner circle has taught me and how they bring sweetness into my life.
Be goofy! Live into and use the individual gifts that the Lord has given you.
Let love be an action. Let the love that you receive from Jesus overflow into your daily life in how you treat those around you. Love God—> love others.
Be quick to forgive and quicker to offer forgiveness. (Colossians 3:13)
The presence of a Godly friend is so sweet! Simply enjoy the company of a refreshing friend. Count it as a blessing from Jesus! (Proverbs 27:9)
Be quick to help your friends out. Serving friends in practical ways can oftentimes be the best way to show love. Let us follow Jesus’ example of serving others generously. (John 13:2-17)
Now, I challenge you to think:
Who would you consider your “inner circle”?
How are your closest friends currently impacting you?
How are you impacting them?
What steps could you take to draw Jesus closer into your inner circle?