**Friendship: The Need to Categorise**.
Proverbs 18
KJV
24+ A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
Can you imagine life without friends, we all need them; truly we can't do without them no matter what! A man can not live as an island; he/she will and must have some friends.
But friends are and must be categorised; else we shall live with disappointment, just as many are experiencing. As the above scriptures describe, there is a friend that “ sticketh closer than a brother”
This verse teaches among many things that not all friends are the same; here is where many make regrettable mistakes in life.
Beloved, experience has taught us that friends fall into two categories, the ordinary and the esteemed!
Ordinary friends can be acquaintances, next-door neighbours, workplace colleagues, schoolmates, even “ some “church members.
In case you wondered why I said “ some “ church members! Yes because we are called to be brothers /sisters not friends. There is a difference please.
I guess you've read this verse before ;
Hebrews 13
KJV
1+ Let brotherly love continue.
It didn't read “ let friendly love continue " I am sure you've gotten the point! Brotherly love and not friendly love; there is a difference.
Anyway, esteemed friends are those who receive priority attention from you regardless of the time, circumstance or situation. You are there for them; you have their backs covered.
Esteemed friends are those you'll give all to serve even to your last breath. This is not to say you don't attend to the ordinary; of course you do.
Just like the directives Paul gave regarding “ doing good “ the same rules apply!
Galatians 6
KJV
10+ As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
With these in mind, beloved categorise your friends and know when to promote or demote some!
You can demote an esteemed friend to an ordinary status, just as you can promote an ordinary friend to esteemed status; depending on their attitudes and behaviours.
You must do this if you want to enjoy and live a peaceful life.
Thoughts to consider