The number of people we know does not equal the number of true friends we have.  Many of us have fewer friends than we think.  True relationships are a wonderful blessing from God.  Yet relationships, like every other area of our life, require regular evaluation, pruning and strengthening.  Holding reasonable expectations of what you can expect from each friendship will help you simplify your relational world, minimize disappointments, and maximize the energy and effort you give toward your inner-circle friends.  Jesus was intentional about the relationships He invested in.

1. True friendship is to know and be known, serve and be served, celebrate and be celebrated.
2. The friends we hand around “rub off” on us. (Proverbs 6:16-19…7 warning traits; Galatians 5:22-23…9 welcome signs)
3. Jesus set a precedent for us and showed us how to border friendships and maintain healthy friendship circles.