Friendships with unbelievers can be enriching, offering new perspectives and experiences. While differing beliefs might lead to challenges, mutual respect and understanding are key to maintaining these relationships. It’s possible to honor your own faith while appreciating others’ worldviews.
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What Does The Bible Say About Being Friends With Unbelievers
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 emphasizes the importance of not being unequally yoked with unbelievers. As Christians, our values, beliefs, and worldview should align with those we choose as close friends, as having close friendships or partnerships with unbelievers can lead to compromising our faith and straying from God’s will.
We are called to be a light in the world, but we must also ensure that we are not influenced or led astray by those who do not share our faith. While it is important to show love to unbelievers and be a witness to them, we must exercise wisdom in the depth and intimacy of our friendships with them.
Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
This verse highlights the impact of our friendships on our character and well-being. It encourages us to choose our friends wisely, seeking those who are wise and God-fearing, as they can positively influence us and help us grow spiritually.
However, when we surround ourselves with foolish companions who do not follow God’s ways, we are more likely to be negatively influenced and suffer harm. Building friendships with unbelievers can expose us to harmful influences and lead us away from God’s truth.
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'”
This verse serves as a warning about the influence of our companions. It emphasizes the importance of choosing our friends wisely, as the company we keep can shape our character and behavior.
When we surround ourselves with unbelievers or those who do not have the same values and beliefs as us, we run the risk of being led astray and compromising our own character. It is crucial to maintain friendships with those who uplift, encourage, and strengthen our faith.
Psalms 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 importance of setting ourselves apart from ungodly influences and friendships. It emphasizes that those who choose to distance themselves from the ways of the wicked and sinners are blessed by God.
While we may interact with unbelievers in various contexts, it is essential to be discerning about the close friendships we form. Choosing to distance ourselves from the company of mockers and those who oppose God’s truth can help us walk in righteousness and experience God’s blessings.
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 speaks to the danger of associating with people who have negative traits, such as being hot-tempered or easily angered. It warns that we might pick up their ways and become entangled in their patterns of behavior.
While this verse does not specifically address unbelievers, it serves as a reminder to be cautious about the company we keep. Associating with people who do not share our faith and values can expose us to negative influences and habits that can hinder our spiritual growth.
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
This verse highlights the power and significance of having godly friendships and relationships. Just as iron sharpens iron, our interactions with fellow believers can help sharpen and strengthen our faith.
While it is important to love and show kindness to unbelievers, there is unique value in surrounding ourselves with fellow Christians who can encourage, challenge, and inspire us to grow closer to God.
1 Corinthians 5:9-11
“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, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case, you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.”
Here, the Apostle Paul is urging the Corinthians to maintain a separation from those who claim to be believers but engage in immoral behavior. His intention is not to entirely isolate ourselves from unbelievers, as we live in a fallen world filled with people who do not follow God’s ways.
However, Paul emphasizes the importance of not aligning ourselves too closely with those who call themselves Christians but demonstrate a persistent pattern of sinful behavior. This separation helps protect the integrity and witness of the church.
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 becoming too closely aligned with the ways of the world. It highlights how friendship with the world can lead to enmity against God and compromise our commitment to Him.
While we are called to show love and kindness to everyone, including unbelievers, this verse emphasizes the need to prioritize our relationship with God above all else. We should be cautious about forming friendships that may lead us away from God’s truth and principles.
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 importance of having trustworthy and reliable friends. It reminds us that having friends who are faithful and committed is essential for our well-being and stability.
While it is valuable to build relationships with unbelievers in order to share God’s love and truth with them, it is equally important to cultivate strong, meaningful friendships within the Christian community. These friendships can provide support, strength, and a sense of belonging that ultimately leads to a deeper walk with Christ.
Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
This verse highlights the importance of surrounding ourselves with wise and godly individuals. When we choose to walk with those who have wisdom and discernment, we are more likely to acquire these attributes ourselves.
While it is not impossible to have friendships with unbelievers, we should be cautious about forming close relationships with those who do not follow God’s ways. Walking closely with unbelievers can lead to harm and compromise our own spiritual growth and discernment.
John 15:14
“You are my friends if you do what I command.”
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the condition for being called His friends – obedience to His commands. Our friendship with Him is based on our willingness to follow and obey His teachings.
While we should demonstrate love and kindness to unbelievers, our closest and most intimate friendship should be with Jesus. This relationship should be prioritized above all others, serving as the foundation for all other relationships in our lives.
1 Samuel 18:1
“After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.”
This verse portrays the close friendship between Jonathan and David, characterized by their shared spirit and deep love for one another. Their bond of friendship was rooted in their mutual devotion to God.
While it is possible to form friendships with unbelievers, there is a unique depth and connection that can be experienced with fellow believers. These friendships can provide spiritual support, encouragement, and a shared pursuit of God’s purposes.
Proverbs 27:9
“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”
This verse portrays the beauty and value of a true friend. A genuine friend brings joy and pleasantness into our lives through their heartfelt advice and wisdom.
While it is important to demonstrate love and kindness to unbelievers, building close friendships with fellow believers allows us to experience the joy and blessing of mutual encouragement and wisdom.
Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
This verse highlights the unwavering love and support that comes from true friendship. A genuine friend stands by you through all seasons, including times of adversity.
While we should display love and compassion to everyone, cultivating friendships with fellow believers can provide the consistent support and understanding that is vital during challenging times in our faith journey.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of encouraging and building up one another within the body of Christ. It encourages us to actively seek ways to uplift and support our fellow believers.
While we should strive to show kindness to unbelievers, building close relationships with fellow Christians allows us to fulfill God’s command to encourage, strengthen, and build each other up in our faith.
Proverbs 27:17
“Iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
This verse illustrates the power of godly friendships in sharpening and refining our character. Just as iron sharpens iron, our interactions with fellow believers can challenge, inspire, and bring about growth in our spiritual lives.
While we should have a heart for unbelievers and seek to share the love of Christ with them, it is crucial to also cultivate deep friendships within the Christian community to experience the mutual edification and spiritual growth that comes from like-mindedness.
Proverbs 12:26
“The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.”
This verse highlights the importance of selecting our friends with discernment, especially as followers of Christ. The righteous choose their companions wisely to ensure they are not led astray from God’s truth.
While we should be compassionate towards unbelievers and seek to share the gospel with them, we should exercise caution when forming close friendships with those who do not share our faith, as their influence may lead us away from God’s path.
Proverbs 27:6
“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
This verse emphasizes the value of true friendship and its ability to provide constructive criticism and guidance. A genuine friend is willing to speak truth and address our shortcomings for our benefit.
While it is important to extend grace and kindness to unbelievers, Christian friendships can offer the accountability and constructive feedback needed for spiritual growth.
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 verse highlights the significance of maintaining friendships and the support they offer, even during difficult times. It underscores the importance of having neighbors or friends nearby to provide assistance and comfort in times of need.
While we should demonstrate love and kindness to all, building close relationships within the Christian community ensures that we have a support system in place to help us navigate the challenges and trials of life.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”
This verse emphasizes the benefits of companionship and the strength of having someone to lean on during difficult times. Two individuals working together can provide support, encouragement, and assistance to one another.
While we are called to be salt and light in the world, building close friendships with fellow believers enables us to have a source of strength and support as we navigate the challenges of living out our faith.
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
This verse highlights the importance of bearing one another’s burdens within the body of Christ. As followers of Jesus, we are called to support and uplift one another.
While it is crucial to show love and compassion to all, cultivating deep relationships with fellow Christians allows us to live out this commandment more effectively, as we can come alongside one another and provide the support needed during challenging seasons.
Colossians 3:16
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”
This verse underlines the importance of teaching, admonishing, and encouraging one another in the context of worship and thanksgiving. It recognizes the integral role of the Christian community in nurturing our faith.
While we are called to reach out to unbelievers and share the message of Christ, our relationships within the body of believers provide the opportunity for mutual growth, accountability, and spiritual nourishment.
Proverbs 16:28
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
This verse highlights the destructive nature of gossip and negative influences. It reveals how a perverse or gossiping person can create conflict and even lead to the separation of close friends.
While we should strive to display God’s love and kindness to everyone, we should exercise discernment in forming close friendships. Associating with unbelievers who engage in harmful behavior, including gossip, can negatively impact our relationships and spiritual well-being.
Proverbs 11:14
“For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.”
This verse emphasizes the need for wise counsel and guidance, both in our personal lives and in the broader context of society. Having diverse perspectives and advice can lead to success and triumph.
While we should demonstrate love and kindness to unbelievers, forming close friendships with fellow believers provides opportunities for mutual advice and wisdom, allowing us to make sound and godly decisions.