​We live in a world made for people. We have no option but to relate to others. Good relationships skills are not always automatic.
 
Thank God that the Bible has given so much light when relating to others. One golden rule is that our security must be in God.
 
“He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him” (Proverbs 27: 14). 

I recently had a conversation with a close family member. During the conversation l said that 'because a person has a gift  or grace for a particular thing upon  their life does not mean that they have a close walk with the Lord? A gift or grace is given, but closeness with the Lord must be cultivated. Its not automatic. 
 
Going back to the title of this article, lets  differentiae between a friend and a servant.

Have you ever been betrayed? Someone  close to you was disloyal, your friend, a person you least expected it  from.

To be betrayed can be hurtful and naturally painful, but what is Gods  response to betrayal?

 Position yourself as a leader. You have a board of deacons whom have been  with you for a long time. Then it is revealed to you that one of them will  betray you. At that moment you are having a meal with them on the same table,  eating with your enemy.


This is what happened to Jesus. 

Have you ever gone through a difficult time and  wondered to happened to some people that you called your friends? Let have a
close look at this scripture:
 
Proverbs 18:  24
   A man that hath friends must shew  himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a  brother.

 
Note the phrase ' and there is a friend' which means this does not apply to all friends.

  This is why we get disappointed sometimes when we go through  difficult times. We think some people will be there for us and suddenly we find  out that they are not there.
 
Proverbs 18 :24 says that you can have many friends as long as you are friendly, but only few of  them  will stick closer than a  brother. Its only a friend closer than a brother that will go the extra mile for  you and hang in there during difficult  times.

  The above scripture differentiates  levels  of friendship,  not all friends  will stick closer than a  brother!

 
We need to be discerning when dealing with people so we don't  expose ourselves to the wrong people and get hurt. Its not everyone you can  expose yourself too during trials. Simply because not everyone has want it takes  to help. Some people are simply not matured enough to offer any assistance while  others may not have the commitment it takes.


  While is good to have physical support and encouragement,  sometimes it can be difficult to find it. But remember that whatever you are going through, our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ will always be there. For He will never leave  us nor forsake us! (Hebrews  13:5).


  
Bisi  Oladipupo