Friendships with those who don’t share our faith can be challenging, but the Bible gives guidance. Today, we’ll explore what Scripture says about being a light in these relationships while staying true to God.
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What Does The Bible Say About Being Friends With Atheist
2 Corinthians 6:14
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”
This verse highlights the importance of being cautious when forming close relationships with unbelievers. It emphasizes the stark contrast between righteousness and wickedness, light and darkness, suggesting that these differences can hinder deep fellowship and spiritual growth.
While this verse does not explicitly discourage friendships with atheists, it encourages believers to prioritize relationships that align with their faith and values.
Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
This verse emphasizes the impact of our relationships on our own character and well-being. It encourages believers to surround themselves with wise and like-minded individuals, as the influence of foolish companions can lead to harm and negative consequences.
While this verse does not specifically mention atheists, it reminds believers to be discerning in choosing their companions and the potential influence they may have on their spiritual journey.
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'”
This verse serves as a warning against the corrupting power of negative influences. It emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with virtuous and uplifting people who can positively contribute to our character and faith.
While it is not explicitly referring to atheists, this verse prompts believers to carefully consider the potential impact of their friendships and associations on their spiritual growth and development.
Psalm 1:1-2
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.”
This psalm emphasizes the importance of avoiding the company of the wicked and sinners. Instead, it encourages believers to find joy and fulfillment in God’s Word, seeking wisdom and guidance through regular meditation on His teachings.
While it does not directly address friendships with atheists, this verse prompts believers to prioritize their connection with God and the pursuit of righteousness over unhealthy associations that may hinder their spiritual walk.
Proverbs 14:7
“Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips.”
This proverb highlights the importance of avoiding foolish individuals who lack wisdom and knowledge. It encourages believers to exercise caution in their relationships, recognizing that associating with fools may impede opportunities for growth and learning.
While this verse does not specifically mention atheists, it underlines the significance of surrounding oneself with individuals who can contribute positively to personal spiritual development and understanding.
Proverbs 12:26
“The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.”
This proverb emphasizes the need for discernment in choosing friendships. It recognizes that the company we keep can influence our paths, either leading us towards righteousness or deterring us through wickedness.
While it does not directly address friendships with atheists, this verse encourages believers to consider the potential impact of their associations on their spiritual journey and to prioritize relationships that align with their faith.
Proverbs 22:24-25
“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.”
This proverb advises against forming friendships with individuals who possess a quick temper or a tendency to anger easily. It highlights the potential danger of adopting the negative characteristics and behaviors of those we associate with.
While it does not specifically mention atheists, this verse encourages believers to choose their friends wisely, considering the impact of their influence on their own character and spiritual well-being.
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
This proverb illustrates the mutual sharpening and growth that can occur in healthy relationships. It emphasizes the value of surrounding oneself with individuals who can challenge, inspire, and encourage personal spiritual development.
While it does not explicitly mention atheists, this verse reminds believers of the importance of cultivating relationships that contribute positively to their spiritual journey, promoting growth and alignment with God’s will.
Matthew 5:13-16
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
These verses convey the importance of living as a positive influence in the world. Believers are called to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, illuminating God’s love and truth through their actions and behavior.
While these verses do not specifically address friendships with atheists, they inspire believers to be ambassadors of Christ, shining their light and influencing others through their witness, love, and good works.
Proverbs 27:6
“Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.”
This proverb emphasizes the value of true friends who are willing to speak truth, even when it may be difficult to hear. It contrasts the genuine concern and honesty of faithful friends with the deceptive flattery often found among enemies.
While it does not specifically mention atheists, this verse encourages believers to cherish friendships based on sincerity and honesty, recognizing the potential for growth and correction that comes from trustworthy companions.
Proverbs 18:24
“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
This proverb highlights the importance of reliable and trustworthy friendships. It acknowledges the potential negative consequences of unreliable companions while emphasizing the security and support found in a true and loyal friend.
While it does not specifically address atheists, this verse encourages believers to cultivate friendships that are built on trust, dependability, and mutual support, promoting healthy relationships that contribute positively to their lives.
James 4:4
“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”
This verse warns against forming close alliances with the values and desires of the world. It highlights the potential conflict between friendship with the world and true devotion to God, underscoring the need for believers to prioritize their relationship with Him.
While it does not specifically mention atheists, this verse encourages believers to carefully consider the influence and alignment of their friendships with the teachings and principles of their faith.
Proverbs 27:9
“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”
This proverb points out the joy and value of friendship, particularly in the context of heartfelt advice. It emphasizes the importance of companions who offer genuine guidance and support.
While it does not explicitly mention atheists, this verse encourages believers to appreciate and cultivate friendships that provide wise counsel and encouragement, promoting growth and spiritual well-being.
John 15:13
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
This verse highlights the sacrificial nature of true friendship, exemplifying the ultimate act of love displayed by Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the depth and selflessness required in genuine friendship.
While it does not specifically address atheists, this verse encourages believers to aspire to selfless and sacrificial love in their friendships, reflecting the love of Christ through their actions.
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
This proverb emphasizes the mutual sharpening and growth that can occur in healthy relationships. It highlights the value of surrounding oneself with individuals who can challenge, inspire, and encourage personal spiritual development.
While it does not explicitly mention atheists, this verse reminds believers of the importance of cultivating relationships that contribute positively to their spiritual journey, promoting growth and alignment with God’s will.
James 2:23
“And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,’ and he was called God’s friend.”
This verse refers to Abraham being called God’s friend due to his faith and belief. It underscores the unique and intimate relationship between God and those who have faith in Him.
While it does not specifically address atheists, this verse highlights the significance of faith and belief in fostering a close relationship with God, encouraging believers to prioritize their walk with Him above all else.
Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
This proverb emphasizes the enduring love and support found in true friendship. It highlights the loyalty and care that friends provide, especially during challenging times.
While it does not directly mention atheists, this verse encourages believers to cherish and prioritize friendships that exhibit unconditional love, loyalty, and support, enhancing their spiritual well-being.
1 Peter 4:8-9
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”
These verses emphasize the importance of love and hospitality among believers. They encourage deep, genuine love for one another, highlighting its profound impact in covering and forgiving sins. They also promote the practice of welcoming and showing kindness to others.
While they do not specifically address friendships with atheists, these verses remind believers to prioritize love, forgiveness, and hospitality in all their relationships, fostering an environment of love and grace.
John 15:14
“You are my friends if you do what I command.”
This verse emphasizes the connection between obedience and friendship with Jesus. It underscores the importance of following His teachings and commands as the basis for a genuine relationship with Him.
While it does not directly address atheists, this verse reminds believers of the essential role of obedience in their relationship with God, encouraging them to prioritize obedience to His commands in all their interactions.
Proverbs 19:4
“Wealth attracts many friends, but even the closest friend of the poor person deserts them.”
This proverb highlights the fickleness of friendships formed based on material possessions. It emphasizes that true friendship is not determined by wealth or social status, but by genuine care and loyalty.
While it does not specifically mention atheists, this verse encourages believers to cultivate relationships based on authenticity and genuine care, rather than seeking associations influenced by external factors.
Proverbs 27:10
“Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family, and do not go to your relative’s house when disaster strikes you— better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away.”
This proverb emphasizes the value of true and loyal friendships. It encourages believers to support and remain loyal to their friends and their friends’ families, especially during times of hardship.
While it does not specifically address atheists, this verse underscores the importance of standing by and supporting friends, prioritizing relationships built on trust, loyalty, and care.
1 John 3:16
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.”
This verse reminds believers of the sacrificial love demonstrated by Jesus Christ. It calls believers to follow His example by sacrificially loving and serving their brothers and sisters in Christ.
While it does not directly mention atheists, this verse encourages believers to exhibit sacrificial love towards others, including atheists, through their actions, attitudes, and willingness to serve.
Proverbs 27:19
“As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.”
This proverb draws a parallel between one’s life and their heart. It highlights the idea that our actions and choices reflect the true condition of our hearts.
While it does not specifically address atheists, this verse encourages believers to reflect their heart’s desire for Christ through their lives, recognizing that their influence can impact their relationships, including those with atheists.
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
These verses emphasize the importance of community and fellowship among believers. They encourage mutual encouragement, love, and accountability, emphasizing the value of gathering together.
While they do not directly address atheists, these verses remind believers of the importance of supportive and uplifting relationships within the faith community, fostering an environment of growth and encouragement.