So, I had a friend ask some questions the other evening concerning friendship. It’s like we feel guilty when we realize a relationship is not productive, for either party involved; and feel even worse when we want out. All I can say is,
“Do not be deceived: Bad company corrupts good morals.” ~ II Cor 15:33
and
“I’ve faced dangers in the city, in the open country, on the sea, and from believers who turned out to be false friends.” ~ II Cor 11:26 ~Paul understood
Honestly, if no one is receiving edification or enjoyment out of your time spent together, or if one or both people leave with a negative aftertaste or in a worse mood…then why would either of you wish to continue on?
Some people change and move in different directions. Sometimes, a person will begin to reveal her true self only after she feels comfortable in a relationship. Maybe she has some issues. Are you in a position to speak positive influence in her life and pray it for her as well? Great, then mentor her. If not, or if you feel stressed about it and no peace, stop. It’s not worth your time, effort, and energy. Let God be God, cut it loose, and He’ll find her help and you another, godly friend(s). People are stonger than we give them credit for. Humans are resiliant, they bounce back and adapt easily.
This seems to be an issue with many people now days. I even had a brief separation from a good friend of mine for a period of 5 or 6 months. I think we did a good job in communicating effectively and maturely. The Holy Spirit had been preparing us, I think. Anyway, when we came back together half a year later, God had worked on many things in both of our characters during the separation. Things that we could not have dealt with effectively if we were friends. (An example: when one friend intends to stop smoking but can’t because his friends smoke, etc.)
“A man of too many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
As God would have it, we remain best friends to this day. I’m glad we handled things with communication and maturity.
I pray you have peace, joy, happiness, and mutual respect in all your relationships!
