There is an old saying, “don’t throw the baby out with the bath water”. (Maybe I’m dating myself here, but that’s okay – with age comes wisdom, right?) What this expression means is don’t throw out the good parts of something, just because there is some error in it. When it comes to friendship, and Church family, all too often we are quick to “throw the baby out with the bath water” because we see something we don’t like, and decide to walk away from the whole situation. Perhaps before we “pull the plug” on a friendship, we should see what the Bible has to say about these tough situations.
Sin
So many times we will just walk away from a friendship because that friend has erred in their walk with God. If what you see in your friend is truly a sin, the Bible is very clear about how to handle these transgressions.
Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
Matthew 18:15
Let me break this verse down… trespass: sin, wrongdoing. Against thee: among you, around you (something you have witnessed personally). This is not based on rumor or gossip. You can’t believe everything you hear about people. Just because you hear someone has sinned, or is living in sin, doesn’t make it true. Pray about it! Then, if you feel led of the Holy Spirit to do so, go to the person directly and – in a good spirit – talk to them about it.
Self
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Galatians 6:1
Be sure, before trying to give counsel to someone else, that you are 1) spiritual yourself, 2) doing it with the right spirit of love and meekness, 3) not putting yourself in a situation to be tempted as well. All of this requires a great deal of prayer about the situation.
Support
So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.
2 Corinthians 2:7
It can be hard to do, especially if this friend has wronged you personally, but the Bible tells us to love one another, and forgive one another. It pleases God when we live like he prescribes in His word. Ultimately this should be our desire, to please God. It makes you a good, godly friend when you want to see your fellow sisters in Christ serving Him, and living in the will of God for their life.
So…who do you need to pray for today? Is there a fellowship that has been broken because of hard feelings, or sinful choices? Now more than ever we need one another to encourage and build each other up through these times we are living in.
