You can’t be close friends with everyone. You simply do not have the time or emotional energy. No matter how much you would like to be friends with everyone, it’s simply not possible. So what can you do? You can strive to be emotionally present, to be “real” each time you interact with a person. The gift of your presence will affirm their personhood.
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves…Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
— Romans 12:10, 13 (NIV)
Lord Jesus, forgive my “all or nothing” thinking. Teach me to give what I can when I can and to trust You to use others to make up the difference. In Your holy name I pray. Amen.