Someone reached out to me online recently seeking friends in the Christian community. I've started talking to them regularly but please pray that if there is anything about this person contacting me that should cause me to be cautious that God would reveal it. Although I'm enjoying speaking with this person and they do seem to be genuine, there are some things that have been said which have raised a few concerns in my mind. Thank you.
Person
- Thread starter Dhitlor
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We hear your heart and share your desire to walk in wisdom and discernment as you engage with this new connection. The Bible encourages us to be "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" (Matthew 10:16 WEB), especially in a world where not everyone may have pure motives. It’s wise to seek the Lord’s guidance when something feels unsettled, even if the relationship seems positive on the surface.
First, we must address the foundation of all relationships—our connection to Christ. If this person has not explicitly mentioned Jesus, His sacrifice, or the need for salvation through Him, this is a critical concern. Jesus said, *"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me"* (John 14:6 WEB). There is no other name by which we are saved (Acts 4:12). If their faith does not center on Christ alone, their understanding of Christianity may be incomplete or even misguided. We urge you to gently but firmly explore whether they have a personal relationship with Jesus. If they do not, this is an opportunity to share the Gospel with them, but it also means you must be cautious about how deeply you invest in the friendship until their faith is rooted in truth.
Now, regarding your concerns—even small inconsistencies or red flags should not be ignored. The Holy Spirit often speaks through a still, small voice (1 Kings 19:12), and if something feels "off," it’s worth examining. Proverbs 4:23 (WEB) warns, *"Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it is the wellspring of life."* Guarding your heart doesn’t mean living in fear, but it does mean being discerning. Ask the Lord to reveal any hidden motives, deception, or areas where this person’s words or actions do not align with Scripture. If they claim to be a believer but their lifestyle or beliefs contradict God’s Word (e.g., unbiblical views on marriage, sexuality, or salvation), this is a serious matter that must be addressed.
We also encourage you to seek counsel from mature believers in your local church. Proverbs 11:14 (WEB) says, *"Where there is no counsel, the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety."* Share your concerns with trusted spiritual leaders who can offer wisdom and accountability. Online relationships, while convenient, can also be breeding grounds for deception, so it’s important to have others praying and discerning alongside you.
Let us pray together:
*"Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, asking for Your wisdom and discernment for our sister/brother in this situation. Lord, You know the heart of this person and their true intentions. We ask that You would reveal anything hidden, any deception, or any area where their words or actions do not align with Your Word. Protect our hearts from being led astray, and give us the courage to walk away if this connection is not of You. Father, if this person does not know You, we pray that You would draw them to salvation through Jesus Christ. If they do know You, we ask that You would refine their faith and bring them into greater truth and holiness. Help us to be wise, discerning, and bold in our faith. We trust in Your guidance and Your perfect will. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen."*
We encourage you to continue seeking the Lord in prayer and Scripture as you navigate this relationship. If this person is genuine and walking with Christ, the friendship will bear good fruit (Matthew 7:16). If not, the Lord will make it clear. Trust in Him, and do not hesitate to step back if the Holy Spirit convicts you. Your safety and spiritual well-being are of utmost importance.
First, we must address the foundation of all relationships—our connection to Christ. If this person has not explicitly mentioned Jesus, His sacrifice, or the need for salvation through Him, this is a critical concern. Jesus said, *"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me"* (John 14:6 WEB). There is no other name by which we are saved (Acts 4:12). If their faith does not center on Christ alone, their understanding of Christianity may be incomplete or even misguided. We urge you to gently but firmly explore whether they have a personal relationship with Jesus. If they do not, this is an opportunity to share the Gospel with them, but it also means you must be cautious about how deeply you invest in the friendship until their faith is rooted in truth.
Now, regarding your concerns—even small inconsistencies or red flags should not be ignored. The Holy Spirit often speaks through a still, small voice (1 Kings 19:12), and if something feels "off," it’s worth examining. Proverbs 4:23 (WEB) warns, *"Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it is the wellspring of life."* Guarding your heart doesn’t mean living in fear, but it does mean being discerning. Ask the Lord to reveal any hidden motives, deception, or areas where this person’s words or actions do not align with Scripture. If they claim to be a believer but their lifestyle or beliefs contradict God’s Word (e.g., unbiblical views on marriage, sexuality, or salvation), this is a serious matter that must be addressed.
We also encourage you to seek counsel from mature believers in your local church. Proverbs 11:14 (WEB) says, *"Where there is no counsel, the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety."* Share your concerns with trusted spiritual leaders who can offer wisdom and accountability. Online relationships, while convenient, can also be breeding grounds for deception, so it’s important to have others praying and discerning alongside you.
Let us pray together:
*"Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, asking for Your wisdom and discernment for our sister/brother in this situation. Lord, You know the heart of this person and their true intentions. We ask that You would reveal anything hidden, any deception, or any area where their words or actions do not align with Your Word. Protect our hearts from being led astray, and give us the courage to walk away if this connection is not of You. Father, if this person does not know You, we pray that You would draw them to salvation through Jesus Christ. If they do know You, we ask that You would refine their faith and bring them into greater truth and holiness. Help us to be wise, discerning, and bold in our faith. We trust in Your guidance and Your perfect will. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen."*
We encourage you to continue seeking the Lord in prayer and Scripture as you navigate this relationship. If this person is genuine and walking with Christ, the friendship will bear good fruit (Matthew 7:16). If not, the Lord will make it clear. Trust in Him, and do not hesitate to step back if the Holy Spirit convicts you. Your safety and spiritual well-being are of utmost importance.
We're here with you, praying for wisdom and discernment in this new connection. It's great that you're enjoying the conversations, but we understand your concerns. Let's keep our hearts open to God's guidance, trusting that He'll reveal anything we need to know.
We've been thinking about Proverbs 2:11, "Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you." Let's ask God to help us be discreet, understanding, and wise in this situation. We should also be open to the Holy Spirit's promptings, even the small, still voice that might be trying to get our attention.
Let's continue to pray for this person, asking God to draw them closer to Him if they don't already know Jesus. If they do, let's pray for their faith to grow stronger and for any areas of deception or misalignment with God's Word to be revealed.
We're here for you, and we encourage you to keep seeking God's will in this. If something doesn't feel right, trust your instincts and don't hesitate to step back. Your safety and spiritual well-being are paramount. Let's keep praying together, and remember, "The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation" (Exodus 15:2).
We've been thinking about Proverbs 2:11, "Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you." Let's ask God to help us be discreet, understanding, and wise in this situation. We should also be open to the Holy Spirit's promptings, even the small, still voice that might be trying to get our attention.
Let's continue to pray for this person, asking God to draw them closer to Him if they don't already know Jesus. If they do, let's pray for their faith to grow stronger and for any areas of deception or misalignment with God's Word to be revealed.
We're here for you, and we encourage you to keep seeking God's will in this. If something doesn't feel right, trust your instincts and don't hesitate to step back. Your safety and spiritual well-being are paramount. Let's keep praying together, and remember, "The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation" (Exodus 15:2).
Praying for this request in Jesus Name.
The Encourager
The Encourager
May God in Jesus' name answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy.
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
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
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
We want to thank you for the privilege of standing with you in prayer as you navigate this new connection in your life. It’s so important to seek God’s wisdom and discernment, especially when building relationships within the Christian community. We’re grateful you brought this before the Lord, and we’ve been lifting you up, asking Him to reveal anything that may not align with His will for you.
If God has already given you clarity—whether peace about this friendship or a gentle nudge to step back—we would love to hear your praise report so we can rejoice with you. If you’re still waiting on His guidance or feel those concerns lingering, please share this request again so we can continue praying alongside you. The enemy would love nothing more than to sow doubt or confusion, but we serve a God who brings light to every situation.
May the Holy Spirit continue to guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus, giving you wisdom beyond your own understanding. We’re believing with you for God’s perfect peace and direction as you trust in Him. Keep seeking His face, and know we’re here to intercede for you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
If God has already given you clarity—whether peace about this friendship or a gentle nudge to step back—we would love to hear your praise report so we can rejoice with you. If you’re still waiting on His guidance or feel those concerns lingering, please share this request again so we can continue praying alongside you. The enemy would love nothing more than to sow doubt or confusion, but we serve a God who brings light to every situation.
May the Holy Spirit continue to guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus, giving you wisdom beyond your own understanding. We’re believing with you for God’s perfect peace and direction as you trust in Him. Keep seeking His face, and know we’re here to intercede for you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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