We all like to have friends. Some are more social creatures and like to have many friends. Others are more reserved and have smaller groups of friends. We have work friends, family friends, church friends, and more. Even I – a very private, anti -social person – have a close group of ride-or-die friends. Humans, after all, were made to be social. Adam was lonely so God made Eve.
Satan knows this about us, too. He knows we long for acceptance, that we dislike feeling alone, and that we crave companionship. So, he uses this against us. He introduces people into our lives who, at first, may seem like quality friends. We share common interests, and perhaps they even support our choices initially.
But over time, as the friendship deepens, their true character begins to show. They let their guard down—maybe they start swearing more around you, telling inappropriate jokes, or inviting you to places you know you shouldn’t go. Perhaps they subtly undermine your faith in other ways.
Deep down, you recognize that this friendship is harmful to your Christian walk. Yet, by then, the bond has formed, and the thought of confronting them—or even stepping away—feels difficult. After all, no one wants to lose a friend.
Paul gives the Corinthians this warning:
Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” – 1 Cor. 15:33
Here, Paul is telling the Corinthians not to keep company with people who do not believe in the resurrection because it underminds their faith. But the principle, bad friends or company corrupts good morals or character remains true.
Once Satan introduces a friendship or relationship that initially seems great but ultimately undermines our walk with God, we face a crucial decision—either to address the problem or to step away. However, we often convince ourselves that we can resist their influence, assuring ourselves that staying silent won’t harm us. We may even believe that by remaining friends and setting a godly example, we can change them.
Solomon tells us this about friendship:
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. – Proverbs 27:17
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. – Proverbs 18:24
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy. – Proverbs 27:6
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. – Proverbs 13:20
Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare. – Proverbs 22: 24-25
One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. – Proverbs 12:26
God’s truth about friendship is simple. Bad company corrupts good morals.
We must first attempt to help our friend recognize the truth about their actions and how they affect us. But if they refuse to listen or change, we must be willing to remove their influence from our lives. #SinsGreatMasquerade
Adonai's Appeal 