This is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and him whom you sent, Jesus Christ. I in them, and you in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that you sent me, and loved them, even as you loved me.

–John 17:3, 23

I am acquainted with many people.

I can put a face to their name when I hear it. I recognize them when we meet each other in the store aisles or attend the same event. And, if the situation called for it, I would be able to carry on a conversation with them. But these people are not my friends. I don’t know them well enough to call them a friend. I don’t know them well enough to trust them with my feelings, to call on them for help, to share my pain, my joy, and my concerns.