Losing Friends? Keep the Faith

Political persuasion isn’t the only thing tearing apart lifelong friendships these days. As Christians, we increasingly find ourselves at odds with non-believing friends and family members simply because of our faith. Why does belief in a loving creator, a generous and patient savior, cause so much strife?

Belief in God leads to righteous living framed by fixed morals, self-discipline, accountability, and high standards of conduct. The apostle Paul underscores this in his epistle to the Corinthians:

Some of you say, "We can do whatever we want to!" But I tell you not everything may be good or helpful (1 Cor. 10:23 CSB).

Mankind, living in the sinful nature of the flesh in this fallen world, does not want to submit to restraints, limits, or moral absolutes. Modern culture has become bathed in the vile doctrine of secular humanism, wherein subjective morality justifies the right to do just about anything without guilt or punishment. Godly principles have become unwoke, old-fashioned, intolerant, politically incorrect, racist, homophobic, and uncool.

So, when well-meaning Christians attempt to share the gospel with the lost and unbelieving world, we’re often mocked, ignored, ridiculed, or altogether censored. We wonder, how can those we love - who claim to love us - be so intolerant and hurtful? So bent upon belittling and embarrassing us? So resistant to the notions of grace and salvation?

Peter gives us this explanation:

For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you (1 Peter 4:3-4 NIV).

Perhaps it’s the spirit of the antichrist that renders those we love capable of transforming into hateful, blasphemous beasts bent upon attacking us (often publicly). But Jesus left us with some comforting words for days like these:

If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you (John 15:18 ESV).

Everyone will hate you because of me. But if you remain faithful until the end, you will be saved (Matt. 10:22 CEV).

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 5:10 NIV).

When you feel like giving up, shutting up, or hiding your sacred love of the Lord, remember Luke’s encouragement:

Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man (Luke 6:22 NIV).

If you find yourself at an impasse with a long-time friend or if Satan tries to alienate you from your family, recall Peter’s advice:

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you (1 Peter 4:12-14 ESV).

And Matthew’s admonition:

But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, (Matt. 5:44 NKJV).

Look also to the wisdom of Paul on endurance:

Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:1-2 CSB).

Hold firm to your faith. Continue to look for the blessed hope of Titus 2:13. And lastly, be still and know that he is God (from Psalm 46:10).

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Photo Credit Alex Radelich