Relationships with non-believers can be a delicate topic for many Christians. Should we maintain close friendships with those who don’t share our faith? The Bible provides insight into how to approach these relationships with wisdom, love, and discernment. Let’s see what the scriptures say.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Believing Lies
What Does The Bible Say About Being Friends With Non Believers
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 cautions against forming close partnerships or associations with non-believers. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining spiritual alignment and avoiding situations where righteousness might be compromised.
While it is important to love and be a positive influence on non-believers, this verse reminds us to be discerning and cautious in our relationships, ensuring that our closest bonds are with fellow believers whose values and beliefs align with ours.
Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
This verse encourages believers to surround themselves with wise and godly companions. The people we spend time with have a significant impact on our lives and can either influence us positively or negatively.
Although we are called to be a light to non-believers, this verse reminds us to prioritize relationships with fellow believers who can help us grow spiritually and provide guidance on our journey of faith.
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'”
This verse serves as a warning against the influence of negative company. It reminds believers that our character and values can be compromised when we surround ourselves with people who do not share the same moral compass.
While we should strive to be a positive influence on non-believers, it is essential to carefully consider the impact that constant companionship with them might have on our own faith and behavior.
James 4:4
“…Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”
This verse highlights the importance of making deliberate choices about the company we keep. It reminds us that aligning ourselves too closely with the values and priorities of the world can lead to conflicts with our allegiance to God.
While we are called to love and interact with non-believers, this verse encourages us to be mindful of our loyalties and priorities, ensuring that our ultimate allegiance is to God and His kingdom.
Psalm 1:1
“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.”
This verse highlights the blessings that come from avoiding close association with the ungodly. It challenges believers to be intentional about the company they keep and the influences they allow in their lives.
While we are called to love and reach out to non-believers, this verse reminds us to be cautious about forming deep friendships or spending excessive time with those who do not align with God’s truth.
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 verse warns against developing close relationships with individuals who have a volatile and unpredictable disposition. It encourages believers to be discerning in their interactions and avoid associating with those who may have a negative influence on their character.
While we are called to demonstrate Christ’s love to all people, this verse reminds us to guard our hearts and be mindful of the potential consequences of aligning ourselves too closely with individuals who have unhealthy behavioral patterns.
Proverbs 12:26
“The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of intentional and discerning choices in friendships. It encourages believers to exercise wisdom and select their companions carefully, recognizing that the company we keep can impact our spiritual journey.
While we are called to be a light in the world, this verse reminds us to prioritize relationships with those who share our commitment to righteousness and godliness, as this will help us stay on the path of faith.
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
This verse highlights the mutual influence and growth that can occur in healthy and uplifting friendships. It emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with individuals who challenge and encourage us to become better versions of ourselves.
While we are called to love and minister to non-believers, this verse reminds us of the significance of cultivating relationships with fellow believers who can help sharpen our faith, deepen our understanding of God’s Word, and support us on our spiritual journey.
Proverbs 14:7
“Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips.”
This verse advises against associating with individuals who lack wisdom and understanding. It reminds believers that spending time with those who do not value knowledge or seek God’s truth can hinder our own spiritual growth.
While we are called to be a light in the world, this verse encourages us to be cautious about investing too much time or energy in relationships that may distract us from our pursuit of God and His wisdom.
1 Peter 4:4
“They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.”
This verse acknowledges the challenges believers may face when they choose not to participate in the sinful lifestyle of non-believers. It reminds us that our decision to live according to God’s standards may draw criticism and rejection from those who embrace a worldly mindset.
While we are called to demonstrate Christ’s love to all people, this verse serves as a reminder to stand firm in our convictions and not compromise our faith to fit in or avoid persecution from those who do not share our beliefs.
Matthew 7:6
“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.”
This verse advises believers to be discerning in sharing spiritual truths with those who will not value or appreciate them. It warns against wasting our time and energy on individuals who will not receive or understand the precious pearls of wisdom we have to offer.
While we are called to spread the gospel, this verse reminds us to use wisdom in choosing when and how to engage with non-believers, recognizing that not everyone will be receptive to the message of Christ.
Proverbs 19:27
“Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.”
This verse highlights the importance of seeking and heeding wise counsel. It warns against the dangers of disregarding instruction and advice, as it can lead to a departure from the truth and a lack of understanding.
While we are called to be a light in the world, this verse encourages us to be receptive to the wisdom of fellow believers who can guide us in our faith and help us gain a deeper knowledge of God and His Word.
1 Corinthians 5:9-10
“I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people—not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral…”
This verse clarifies that while believers are to avoid close association with those practicing immorality within the church, they are not expected to completely separate themselves from non-believers who engage in sinful behavior.
While we are called to be a light in the world, this verse reminds us to strike a balance between spending time with non-believers and avoiding becoming entangled in their sinful activities, which can compromise our own moral standing and witness.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
This verse encourages believers to resist the pressures and influences of the world and instead be transformed by renewing their minds according to God’s truth. It emphasizes the importance of aligning our thoughts and actions with His will.
While we are called to engage with non-believers, this verse reminds us to be intentional about avoiding conformity to worldly values and seeking God’s guidance in discerning His will for our lives.
Proverbs 18:24
“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
This verse underscores the significance of having trustworthy and loyal friends. It highlights the importance of cultivating relationships with individuals who can be relied upon and who will provide support and encouragement.
While we are called to demonstrate Christ’s love to all people, this verse reminds us to prioritize friendships with those who will support us in our faith journey and walk alongside us as we strive to live according to God’s principles.
Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
This verse emphasizes the value of surrounding ourselves with wise and godly individuals. It encourages believers to seek out friendships with those who exemplify wisdom, as this can positively influence our own growth and development.
While we are called to love and reach out to non-believers, this verse reminds us to be discerning about the company we keep, prioritizing relationships with individuals who can provide godly guidance and wisdom.
Psalms 26:4-5
“I do not sit with the deceitful, nor do I associate with hypocrites. I abhor the assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked.”
This psalm shows the importance of choosing our company wisely. It highlights the need to distance ourselves from individuals who engage in deceit, hypocrisy, and wickedness.
While we are called to love and minister to non-believers, this verse reminds us to be cautious about developing close relationships with those whose actions and values do not align with God’s truth.
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'”
This verse is a strong reminder of the potential negative influence that can come from surrounding ourselves with ungodly companions. It warns against the dangers of compromising our good character by spending time with individuals who do not share our moral convictions.
While we are called to show Christ’s love to all people, this verse emphasizes the importance of guarding our hearts and choosing our company wisely, ensuring that our closest friendships are with fellow believers who will strengthen and encourage our faith.
1 Corinthians 7:12-13
“…If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her… And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him.”
This passage addresses the issue of marriage between believers and non-believers. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining marital relationships even when there is a difference in faith.
While it is ideal for believers to marry someone who shares their faith, this verse acknowledges that in certain situations, it may be necessary to navigate a mixed-faith marriage while continuing to live out and impart one’s faith to the spouse.
2 Timothy 2:21
“Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.”
This verse speaks to the importance of personal holiness and purity. It encourages believers to separate themselves from actions, influences, and relationships that dishonor God.
While we are called to interact with non-believers, this verse reminds us to continually strive for holiness, ensuring that the choices we make in relationships align with God’s standard of righteousness.
Proverbs 27:17
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
This verse highlights the value of having godly friendships that foster growth and mutual edification. It emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with individuals who will challenge and encourage us in our faith.
While we are called to be a light to non-believers, this verse emphasizes the need for nurturing relationships with fellow believers who will sharpen us spiritually and help us grow in our understanding and application of God’s Word.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
This verse speaks to the importance of living our lives in a manner that honors and glorifies God. It calls believers to be mindful of their actions and choices and consider whether they align with God’s will.
While we are called to engage with non-believers, this verse reminds us to evaluate our interactions and relationships, ensuring that they contribute to our ability to live out our faith and bring glory to God in all areas of our lives.
Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
This verse underscores the importance of choosing our companions wisely. It encourages believers to seek friendship with wise and godly individuals, recognizing that the company we keep can impact our own growth and well-being.
While we are called to love and witness to non-believers, this verse reminds us to prioritize relationships with those who will inspire and impart godly wisdom, helping us become wiser and stronger in our faith.
Proverbs 27:6
“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
This verse highlights the value of true friendship and the honesty it brings. It emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with friends who will lovingly correct us and hold us accountable.
While we are called to engage with non-believers, this verse reminds us to prioritize relationships with individuals who will speak the truth in love and help us grow in our faith, rather than those who offer insincere flattery and empty encouragement.
Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
This verse highlights the importance of choosing our friends wisely. It encourages believers to seek company with wise and godly individuals who will positively influence and shape their character.
While we are called to love and reach out to non-believers, this verse reminds us to be discerning about the relationships we form, ensuring that we prioritize friendships that will encourage and foster our spiritual growth.