The Bible NETWork ~ Impacting the World for Christ one post at a time!

I have had a friend of nearly 10 years. I have seen her change in to a fun person who was well grounded to a very toxic person where I rarely bring my kids over. Right now we are at odds with each other as we had a fight(though we were at odds before the major fight), blame etc were flung at each other , fact I had said she needed mental help hurt her though I do feel that it was justified as she mentioned hurting her kids, through I do think I should have just ended the conversation before it got that far. That being said, she has become a person normal Christian or not Christian people would turn away from as she has openly talked about her open marriage, sexual deviances,parting lack of respect for others,(she even told my kids that she thinks church is a waste of time ouch@!),yelling at children at my DD's birthday party etc. I think there what I'm trying to get at is the relationship worth trying to sort out or should I take this as a sign that it's time to move on. I'm praying she will find God again in her life but she is getting further and further away. What also is bothering me is that I'm starting college in Sept and she had started in Jan for the same program, we may end up having to come in contact with each other. I'm also afraid she will spread lies about me because she is that type of person...I'm hoping all goes well though, I feel God has had his hand on me attending school, everything is falling into place. My husband never really liked her, he's glad we aren't on good terms. I feel a bit saddened as we did share common interests like gardening and canning.

Teammom

it is very sad when friends grow apart - which in our world happens.

It is even sadder when a friend begins to turn away from God, and starts down a path which results in destructive behaviors.

But you are right to distance your children from her .... they don't have the maturity to cope.

However, being in the same course may be an opportunity for you to help her, to talk to her, to show her that - no matter what - you care for her. The fact that you are meeting in neutral territory (as opposed to your homes, or even church) can help in this.

But above all, pray hard for her .... ask God for protection for yourself as you do this ... and then trust God.

in Christ

Dinah

_________________
Forum Code of Conduct
Forum Statement of Beliefs

I and this happen some years ago and it is very sad. We both apologized and said good bye. This all happened during a very bad time in our church. I think that contributed to it. I think about her at times, but know that it was best to separate .

The Bible says that bad company corrupts good morals, so we owe it to protecting our walk with God to separate from them.

I'm curious, when do we separate ourselves from bad company from fear it corrupts good morals, and when do we persist with showing love and friendship as a gesture to someone who may be going through hard times that there will always be someone there for them once they are ready for friendship again?

What's the difference between 'bad company' and 'company that's going through a bad spot in their life'?

I have to agree with Emmy. The Gospel's central message is love and compassion. As Christians, we shouldn't be too judgmental of others. Who knows, something good could happen to the person because of your company. Jesus hung out with the 'misfits' of society. So should we.

Yours sister,
Jessica

_________________
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. -1 John 4:7