Losing Friends, Gaining Faith

When God separates for His purposes there becomes a time when our friend circle becomes smaller. Personal growth tests our circle of friends.

We definitely find out who our true friends are when we choose to follow Jesus. Failure friends have a way of testing our Christian values in subtle and not-so-subtle ways.

True friends support you and your beliefs allowing you to grow spiritually. This is a complex social landscape, these tests from fake friends can come in various forms and guises.

Being a follower of Jesus means navigating these challenges with grace and wisdom.

Fake friends have a knack for disrespecting biblical values. They challenge your beliefs, and some make you second-guess your faith. It’s not always blatant, sometimes it’s as subtle as a sarcastic remark or dismissive attitude toward our values and beliefs.

They put you in situations where you have to defend your faith which often goes against popular opinion.

But a true friend will respect your beliefs, and values, even if they don’t share them.

It’s something we should watch out for and is a clear indication that we are being tested by fake friends.

I had a friend who constantly wanted to put me in situations that conflicted with my values. She would invite me to her house for a little get-together, with people who would intentionally say things that would go against my beliefs and values just to make me feel uncomfortable. She would constantly test my ability to uphold my values in challenging situations.

It’s not easy to stand up against peer pressure, especially when it comes to friends. But true friendship is about respect and understanding, not about forcing someone into uncomfortable situations.

Our circle of friends can greatly influence our behavior and attitudes.

Fake friends often encourage negative behavior that goes against our beliefs and values. They promote gossip, dishonesty, and other actions that don’t align with the teachings of the Bible.

God holds up to a higher standard. If you notice someone in your life who encourages behaviors that clash with your beliefs and values, it could be a sign they are testing your resolve.

I like to think God sifts out our relationships. He removes people from our lives to prepare us for better things to come. He helps us move in the direction He intends us to go.