When To Stop Being Friends With Someone

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by She_Flourishes

by She_Flourishes

Question:

What are some ways we know how or when we should, as Christians, stop being friends with someone?

Answer:

1 Corinthians 15:33
ESV
33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals

1) They treat you badly

Whether it be gaslighting you, bullying you, making you feel worse about yourself, discouraging you, gossiping about, etc. Being friends with someone who doesn't love and respect you is a big no. We should be friends with people who we feel loved and respected, not the other way around.

Though we are called to love everyone (Mark 12:31, Matthew 5:43-44), we are not called to be friends with everyone! We are called to be picky about who we hang around with for our mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.

2) Friends who don't have the same vision as you

It's not wise to be very close friends with someone who doesn't have the same foundation as you. That's why it's crucial to have Christian friends. Someone who has a different lifestyle, foundation, and faith, then you won't be encouraged on your own.

The Bible tells us that iron sharpens iron
(Proverbs 27:17). Be friends with someone you can learn from and grow with visa versa. Someone who practices a lifestyle you heavily disagree with will influence you to compromise on your own.

The Bible tells us not to deceive ourselves. Meaning that you try convincing yourself that those people are good for you when deep down you know they aren't.

Don't assume you can handle it; more often than not, they have already started changing you; you just haven't seen the full effects of it yet.

3) If that friendship pulls you further from God

This is what it ultimately comes down to. No relationship should be something that draws you further from God. His will and who He has created you to be. If it is, then it's best to either distance the friendship or cut it all together.

-etty