...for my "inner circle"

The apostle John, who is referred to as "the one whom Jesus loved."

John, James, and Peter. The three disciples who were chosen to witness Jesus' transfiguration.

The Twelve Disciples who followed Jesus for over three years

The 70 Disciples Jesus called to spread His message in the book of Luke.

The 5,000+ men, women, and children Jesus fed with just five loaves of bread and two fish.

Throughout His life Jesus demonstrates a model of how we are to operate in our relationships, separated into these five circles consisting of His friends and followers.

Upon examining this model I was filled with sadness and regret over my own relationships, because I wasn't able to place anyone in my "inner circle." As much as I've longed and prayed for a best friend, I haven't had one since I was six.

Not only that, but when I looked at my other friendships I saw how weak they were in comparison to my Lord's. He reached out to everyone He met. He loved them, He helped them, and He gave everything He had for them even though they certainly didn't deserve it.

I realized that my negative attitude, my competitive spirit, and my apathetic nature have turned off many who've tried to reach out to me, and burden those kind enough to stick around.

But that's going to change.

This week I have taken steps which may seem small right now, but I'm confident will build toward something more. Pray that God would continue to impress this on me so I don't grow tired and give up.