FIGHT WITH FRIEND

[Leah B.]

Yesterday I put in a prayer request about what in my view is disrespect for my boundaries and being way too pushy on the part of my friend. The main background you need to know is that we live in the same building and that she expects me to visit her every day, even now that she has a boyfriend. She literally can't be alone for two minutes, and it ALWAYS has to be an in-person visit. A quick phone call will not do! The other background is I am just getting over a COPD flare-up and that I am very behind in housework, getting ready for "Little Christmas" this coming Wednesday [dinner with my elderly dad, my niece, my great niece and my great nephew] and also for Christmas. I also have bilateral thumb arthritis so it's very stressful to be doing all this. And finally in this regard, I am nervous about being around people and germs right now, preferring to be alone as much as possible until I'm sure I'm better.

Anyway, the immediate problem: Yesterday I went to see her for 45 minutes. Wore a face mask the whole time and was very uncomfortable. We already exchanged Christmas gifts early, which made sense because of the gifts we gave each other. Yesterday, she one-upped this, handing me my birthday present early. [My birthday is not until the very end of this month.] It was a very pretty bracelet. The only thing is, we couldn't figure out how to work the clasp. A couple hours after our visit, she called me to tell me her boyfriend figured out the clasp and tried to pin me down to coming over tomorrow --now today -- to have her boyfriend show me how to do it. I told her, "maybe," never committed to another visit.

Okay. Now fast forward to today: She haunted me from the moment I opened my eyes about coming to get that bracelet. Two messages, followed by a phone call I ignored. Three voicemails. Then another ruse to get me to respond. Then yet another message. Then in late afternoon, another phone call. She tried to pin me down to coming over there tomorrow. When I told her I would try but I wasn't sure, she sniveled, "I thought this bracelet meant something to you," and hung up on me. I texted her and told her off, up to and including I told her she was turning my birthday present into a job. I am angry, and I am hurt. I tried to be a good friend. I deeply appreciate how kind she has been to me in the past. I just feel like she is smothering me and doesn't respect my feelings. I also don't think it's normal to ALWAYS have to have company. Her boyfriend is also getting aggravated with the clingy behavior and telling her he needs space.

Anyway, please pray in Jesus's name this problem can be resolved. I don't want to lose her as a friend. I just want her to stop being so pushy and needy.

 

[Articles]

We hear your heart, dear sister, and we stand with you in prayer before the throne of grace, where we find mercy and help in time of need. This situation has left you feeling overwhelmed, disrespected, and emotionally drained, and we grieve with you over the strain this has placed on your friendship. The Word of God reminds us, *"A man that has friends must show himself friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother"* (Proverbs 18:24). True friendship is a gift from the Lord, but it must be rooted in mutual respect, love, and boundaries—especially when one party is struggling with physical limitations, as you are.

Your friend’s behavior reflects a deep neediness that is not healthy for either of you. Her inability to be alone, her insistence on in-person visits even when a phone call would suffice, and her manipulation—such as guilt-tripping you over a gift—are not the marks of godly friendship. Scripture warns us, *"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"* (Proverbs 22:24-25). While this may not describe her temperament, it does describe the entanglement her neediness creates. Her actions are not just inconsiderate; they are spiritually unhealthy, as they reveal a heart that may be seeking fulfillment in people rather than in Christ.

We must also address the physical and emotional toll this is taking on you. Your COPD flare-up, arthritis, and anxiety about germs are real and valid concerns. The Lord calls us to care for our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and pushing yourself beyond your limits to accommodate her demands is not honoring to Him. You are not responsible for her emotional well-being, nor are you obligated to neglect your own health or responsibilities to appease her. *"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others"* (Philippians 2:4), but this does not mean sacrificing your well-being or enabling unhealthy patterns.

We rebuke the spirit of manipulation and control that has taken root in this friendship. The enemy seeks to sow discord, exhaustion, and resentment, but we declare that this friendship will not be destroyed by fleshly demands. Instead, we pray that God would bring healing and maturity to both of your hearts. We also rebuke the guilt she has tried to place on you. Gifts are meant to be expressions of love, not tools for control. *"God loves a cheerful giver"* (2 Corinthians 9:7), and love is not self-seeking (1 Corinthians 13:5).

Now, let us come before the Lord together in prayer:

Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, the name above every name, the only name by which we are saved and through which we have access to Your throne. Lord, we lift up this sister and her friendship before You. You know the depths of her heart, her desire for peace, and her love for her friend. We ask, Father, that You would intervene in this situation. Soften her friend’s heart to receive godly wisdom and correction. Break the chains of neediness and control that have bound her, and replace them with a deep trust in You, Lord. Help her to find her security and fulfillment in Christ alone, not in the presence or approval of others.

Father, we also pray for our sister. Strengthen her body as she recovers from her COPD flare-up. Grant her the energy and ability to prepare for the celebrations ahead with her family. Ease the pain in her hands and give her wisdom in managing her time and responsibilities. Protect her from the enemy’s lies that tell her she must earn love or friendship through constant availability. Remind her, Lord, that her worth is found in You, not in meeting the unreasonable demands of others.

We ask that You would grant her the courage to set and maintain healthy boundaries. Give her the words to speak truth in love, and help her friend to receive them with humility. If this friendship is to continue, Lord, let it be on Your terms—rooted in mutual respect, love, and a shared desire to honor You. If it is Your will for this friendship to end, we ask that You would make that clear and grant our sister peace in that decision.

Father, we also pray for the friend’s boyfriend. Give him wisdom and patience as he navigates this situation. Help him to set boundaries that honor You and protect his own well-being. May he be a godly influence in her life, pointing her toward Christ.

Lord, we declare that this situation will not steal our sister’s joy or peace. We rebuke the enemy’s attempts to sow bitterness, resentment, or exhaustion in her heart. Instead, fill her with Your peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Surround her with Your presence, Lord, and remind her that she is never alone. You are her refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).

We ask all these things in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Sister, we encourage you to stand firm in the boundaries you have set. It is not unkind to prioritize your health, your family, and your relationship with the Lord. True friendship does not demand; it gives freely. If your friend is unwilling to respect your limits, it may be a sign that this friendship is not as healthy as you once believed. Trust the Lord to guide you in this. *"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight"* (Proverbs 3:5-6).

You are not responsible for her emotions or actions. Continue to pray for her, but do not allow her to manipulate you through guilt or obligation. The Lord sees your heart, and He will honor your obedience to Him. If you need to distance yourself for a time to protect your peace, do so without guilt. The Lord is your defender and your provider. He will not leave you lacking in companionship or friendship as you seek Him first. *"Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you"* (Matthew 6:33).

May the Lord bless you with His peace and wisdom as you navigate this situation. You are loved, you are valued, and you are not alone.

 

[hostadmin]

Dear friend, we're here for you. We understand that you're feeling overwhelmed and hurt by your friend's behavior. It's important to remember that true friendship is built on mutual respect, love, and healthy boundaries. It's not okay for her to expect constant company or to manipulate you with guilt.

We pray that God would soften her heart, helping her to understand the importance of respecting your boundaries and finding fulfillment in Him, not in constant companionship. We also pray for your healing and strength, that you would have the courage to maintain healthy boundaries and trust that God will guide you in this situation.

Let's claim these promises together:

"Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken." - Psalm 55:22

"In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:6

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28

We believe that God will give you the wisdom and strength to navigate this friendship in a way that honors Him and protects your well-being. You are not alone, and you are deeply loved. Trust in the Lord, and He will guide you.

 

[lololojo]

Praying for this request in Jesus Name.

 

[Leah B.]

We hear your heart, dear sister, and we stand with you in prayer before the throne of grace, where we find mercy and help in time of need. This situation has left you feeling overwhelmed, disrespected, and emotionally drained, and we grieve with you over the strain this has placed on your friendship. The Word of God reminds us, *"A man that has friends must show himself friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother"* (Proverbs 18:24). True friendship is a gift from the Lord, but it must be rooted in mutual respect, love, and boundaries—especially when one party is struggling with physical limitations, as you are.

Your friend’s behavior reflects a deep neediness that is not healthy for either of you. Her inability to be alone, her insistence on in-person visits even when a phone call would suffice, and her manipulation—such as guilt-tripping you over a gift—are not the marks of godly friendship. Scripture warns us, *"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"* (Proverbs 22:24-25). While this may not describe her temperament, it does describe the entanglement her neediness creates. Her actions are not just inconsiderate; they are spiritually unhealthy, as they reveal a heart that may be seeking fulfillment in people rather than in Christ.

We must also address the physical and emotional toll this is taking on you. Your COPD flare-up, arthritis, and anxiety about germs are real and valid concerns. The Lord calls us to care for our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and pushing yourself beyond your limits to accommodate her demands is not honoring to Him. You are not responsible for her emotional well-being, nor are you obligated to neglect your own health or responsibilities to appease her. *"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others"* (Philippians 2:4), but this does not mean sacrificing your well-being or enabling unhealthy patterns.

We rebuke the spirit of manipulation and control that has taken root in this friendship. The enemy seeks to sow discord, exhaustion, and resentment, but we declare that this friendship will not be destroyed by fleshly demands. Instead, we pray that God would bring healing and maturity to both of your hearts. We also rebuke the guilt she has tried to place on you. Gifts are meant to be expressions of love, not tools for control. *"God loves a cheerful giver"* (2 Corinthians 9:7), and love is not self-seeking (1 Corinthians 13:5).

Now, let us come before the Lord together in prayer:

Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, the name above every name, the only name by which we are saved and through which we have access to Your throne. Lord, we lift up this sister and her friendship before You. You know the depths of her heart, her desire for peace, and her love for her friend. We ask, Father, that You would intervene in this situation. Soften her friend’s heart to receive godly wisdom and correction. Break the chains of neediness and control that have bound her, and replace them with a deep trust in You, Lord. Help her to find her security and fulfillment in Christ alone, not in the presence or approval of others.

Father, we also pray for our sister. Strengthen her body as she recovers from her COPD flare-up. Grant her the energy and ability to prepare for the celebrations ahead with her family. Ease the pain in her hands and give her wisdom in managing her time and responsibilities. Protect her from the enemy’s lies that tell her she must earn love or friendship through constant availability. Remind her, Lord, that her worth is found in You, not in meeting the unreasonable demands of others.

We ask that You would grant her the courage to set and maintain healthy boundaries. Give her the words to speak truth in love, and help her friend to receive them with humility. If this friendship is to continue, Lord, let it be on Your terms—rooted in mutual respect, love, and a shared desire to honor You. If it is Your will for this friendship to end, we ask that You would make that clear and grant our sister peace in that decision.

Father, we also pray for the friend’s boyfriend. Give him wisdom and patience as he navigates this situation. Help him to set boundaries that honor You and protect his own well-being. May he be a godly influence in her life, pointing her toward Christ.

Lord, we declare that this situation will not steal our sister’s joy or peace. We rebuke the enemy’s attempts to sow bitterness, resentment, or exhaustion in her heart. Instead, fill her with Your peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Surround her with Your presence, Lord, and remind her that she is never alone. You are her refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).

We ask all these things in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Sister, we encourage you to stand firm in the boundaries you have set. It is not unkind to prioritize your health, your family, and your relationship with the Lord. True friendship does not demand; it gives freely. If your friend is unwilling to respect your limits, it may be a sign that this friendship is not as healthy as you once believed. Trust the Lord to guide you in this. *"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight"* (Proverbs 3:5-6).

You are not responsible for her emotions or actions. Continue to pray for her, but do not allow her to manipulate you through guilt or obligation. The Lord sees your heart, and He will honor your obedience to Him. If you need to distance yourself for a time to protect your peace, do so without guilt. The Lord is your defender and your provider. He will not leave you lacking in companionship or friendship as you seek Him first. *"Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you"* (Matthew 6:33).

May the Lord bless you with His peace and wisdom as you navigate this situation. You are loved, you are valued, and you are not alone.

Thank you for praying

 

[Leah B.]

Dear friend, we're here for you. We understand that you're feeling overwhelmed and hurt by your friend's behavior. It's important to remember that true friendship is built on mutual respect, love, and healthy boundaries. It's not okay for her to expect constant company or to manipulate you with guilt.

We pray that God would soften her heart, helping her to understand the importance of respecting your boundaries and finding fulfillment in Him, not in constant companionship. We also pray for your healing and strength, that you would have the courage to maintain healthy boundaries and trust that God will guide you in this situation.

Let's claim these promises together:

"Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken." - Psalm 55:22

"In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:6

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28

We believe that God will give you the wisdom and strength to navigate this friendship in a way that honors Him and protects your well-being. You are not alone, and you are deeply loved. Trust in the Lord, and He will guide you.

Thank you for praying

 

[Leah B.]

Praying for this request in Jesus Name.

Thank you for praying

 

[Leah B.]

Praying for this request in Jesus Name.

Thank you for praying

 

[The Encourager]

I prayed that God in Jesus' name will answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. God Loves You. Thank You Jesus!!!

Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.

God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God solution focused heart, mind, spirit, and attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net

Healed Spirit Soul And Body​

Healed Spirit Soul And Body

be-an-encourager.blogspot.com

 

[Leah B.]

I prayed that God in Jesus' name will answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. God Loves You. Thank You Jesus!!!

Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.

God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God solution focused heart, mind, spirit, and attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net

Healed Spirit Soul And Body​

Healed Spirit Soul And Body

be-an-encourager.blogspot.com

Thank you for praying