Your Inner Circle...

We have levels or as I like to see them rings of interpersonal relationships. The longer I live, the more I see that we have definite choices to make about those that surround us. I'm sure that we have all heard "choose your friends wisely" at some time in our lives. Well, this advice is tried and true. It goes much deeper than superficial needs and possible bad influences as a child. Adults need to make good choices about who the surround themselves with as well.

So, if you were to stand in the center of a bull’s eye, that smallest circle would be where you would fit with your most trusted family and friends. Those that you allow to speak into your life. If you think about it, there is very little room in this circle. That is because, only a certain number of people should be allowed to really "speak into" your life. These are the people that advise you wisely, uphold you, and love you unconditionally. When you allow the wrong people into this group, your life is affected. You may be strong, intelligent, and not swayed by the crowd, but if you consider someone close enough to be in that space with you, they influence your life. The larger rings on the bull’s eye represent different levels of intimacy. Those relationships matter, they are people that are important to you in some way, but they do not hold the weight that your central group holds. Of course, the largest ring, can be for those people that you care about but can only be involved with to a certain degree. They may be a bit toxic or very negative but you love them so you don't disassociate yourself from them completely. It's more like a check in occasionally and make sure all is well, situation. They will most likely be the ones that you are helping. You will be the influence and not the one influenced.

Having healthy relationships is possible, and so important.

I challenge you to examine your close friend and family group. Look at those you call friend on a larger scale. Do you need to make some adjustments? Should some people be moved to a larger ring? Be honest with yourself and pray about it. God can show you and even move people for you if you ask Him to.

God brings multiple kinds of connections into our lives. The thing to do is to ask Him what the relationship is meant to be. What kind of connection are you meant to have with this person?

I challenge you to examine your relationships both with family and friends. Do you need to move some people around? What is the purpose of your relationship? Are they bringing positive attributes or negative vibes to your life?

(Now don't use this as an excuse to try to push your spouse away, they belong in the inner circle, unless God says otherwise) That is another topic for another day!!

You can ask God to help you with who is in your life. Give Him control of this area, just like all others, and He can move the right people into your circle of influence and remove those that have no place in your life at all.

Romans 5:11 so now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. (New Living Translation)

God is interested in relationships of all kinds. Our very faith is built on relationship with the Father through the Son. So, why then would God not help you with your relationships if you ask?

I did some research and found more information on this very topic. Check out the link, https://sirmotivate.com/how-to-choose-your-inner-circle-friends

Sir Jones, Unleashing True Winners.