Your Circle of Three
Written by Heidi McLaughlin
Relationships infuse us with the greatest joy but also crush us with searing pain. Sadly, we’re presently living is an “isolation pandemic.” Many people are pulling away from human interaction to finding connection on social media, not going to church, and finding comfort in their homes.
We need intimate, loving and safe circles of friends. Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert we need a circle of at least three. Why? God created us for this.
Here are three examples:
King David was surrounded by hundreds of people who supported him and obeyed his commands. Yet he had his inner circle of three in 2 Samuel 23:8-23. This section of the Bible is called: “David’s Mighty Men”, and it lists his inner circle of three - Josheb-Basshebeth, Eleazar, and Shammah. When the Philistine army came against them, David needed his three trusted friends for wisdom and support.
Moses was also surrounded by thousands, if not millions of people as they wandered through the desert. Again, when the leaders were in trouble and fighting the enemy army, Moses’ friends stood with him for support. In fact, Aaron and Hur held up his arms, one on each side, so that Moses’ hands remained steady until the sun went down and they defeated the Philistine army.
Jesus the Son of God had his inner circle of Peter, James, and John. Those three got the inside scoop of Jesus’ miracles, being on the Mount of Transfiguration and in the Garden of Gethsemane.
These relationships were not perfect, but they were profoundly intimate. And that’s what we need. We are in constant battle against an enemy who is trying to divide and destroy our relationships. We need someone to listen to us and see us in the middle of our messes. Those wonderfully crazy people who see us spiritually naked and unashamed. And love us still.
That’s why we need our trusted circle of three. They don’t just happen; we have to pursue them. May 2025 be that year where you intentionally seek out those people who will help you through the storms and be there to listen and affirm. To love you in silence or words. The ones who will show up.
