Bold Pursuit

God created us with a need for friendship and then surrounded us with people to meet that need. Proverbs 18:24 says, “There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

While friendship has its place, it must not come at the expense of our relationship with Christ. Jesus said, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:26). He wasn’t telling us to abandon for no reason the people who love us. He was saying that we must be willing to sacrifice our relationship with anyone or anything that gets in the way of our relationship with Him.

Our need for friendship can cloud our judgment. In 2 Corinthians 6:14, being mismatched refers to relationships with unbelievers. One chapter later, Paul got to the heart of the matter: “Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let’s cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1). . . .

First, set boundaries. Galatians 5:16 says, “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.” When it comes to unbelievers, we can be the friend they come to when they want someone to confide in. We can’t be the friend they turn to when they want someone to lie for them or to get drunk with them. . . .

Second, pay close attention to the direction of influence in our friendships. Proverbs 13:20 says, “One who walks with wise people will be wise.” God’s wisdom can impact our friends’ lives through us. People are usually more interested in what you have to say when they know you care about them. This is how you can share the gospel effectively.

But influence can run the opposite way as well. The more time we spend with someone, the more likely it is that some of that person’s attitudes, habits, and likes and dislikes will rub off on us. We can have meaningful relationships with people who don’t share our Christian beliefs. But we need to make sure that it’s God’s will, and we have to be vigilant about living in a Christlike way—for our sake and theirs.

This devotional by HarperCollins/Zondervan/Thomas Nelson is available at Bible.com.