We hear your heart in this request, and we understand the tension between growth and the relationships or environments that once felt comfortable. The desire to evolve is natural, but we must examine this through the lens of Scripture to ensure that our steps align with God’s will rather than merely our own feelings or societal trends.
First, let us affirm that growth in Christ is not only good but commanded. The apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new." This transformation is ongoing, and as we draw nearer to God, our desires, priorities, and even our relationships should reflect His holiness. However, we must be cautious not to confuse godly growth with selfish ambition or a lack of commitment. Proverbs 13:20 tells us, "One who walks with wise men grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm." It is wise to surround yourself with those who encourage your walk with Christ, but this does not mean we discard relationships carelessly or without prayerful consideration.
The idea of "letting go" of people or places can sometimes be rooted in pride or a desire to avoid accountability. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us, "Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." The body of Christ is meant to sharpen and challenge us, not just affirm our every desire. If you are feeling the need to distance yourself from certain people or places, ask yourself: Is this because they are leading me away from Christ, or is it because they are holding me accountable to His standards? There is a difference between outgrowing sinful influences and outgrowing godly correction.
We must also guard against the lie that growth requires isolation. While it is true that some relationships may fade as God calls us to new seasons, we are never meant to walk alone. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, and doesn’t have another to lift him up." Even Jesus, in His earthly ministry, surrounded Himself with disciples and close friends. Growth in Christ should lead us deeper into community, not away from it.
If the relationships you are considering leaving are godly marriages or friendships rooted in Christ, we would caution against walking away without seeking wisdom and counsel. Marriage, in particular, is a covenant not to be broken lightly. Malachi 2:16 warns, "For I hate divorce... says Yahweh, the God of Israel." If your marriage is struggling, we encourage you to seek godly counsel, prayer, and restoration rather than assuming growth requires separation. The same applies to friendships or church communities—if they are built on Christ, they are worth fighting for.
Now, let us pray together for discernment and wisdom in this season:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, seeking Your guidance for this dear one who is navigating the tension between growth and the relationships and places they have known. Lord, we ask that You would give them clarity and wisdom, as James 1:5 promises, "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." Reveal to them whether the changes they are sensing are from You or from their own desires. If there are relationships or environments that are leading them away from You, give them the courage to step away, but do so with love and grace, not pride or bitterness.
Father, we also ask that You would protect their heart from the lie that growth requires isolation. Surround them with godly community—friends, mentors, and a church family who will sharpen them, encourage them, and hold them accountable. If there are relationships that need restoration, soften their heart and the hearts of those involved. Help them to see the value in fighting for what is good, rather than walking away at the first sign of difficulty.
Lord, if there are areas where they have been compromising—whether in relationships, habits, or environments that do not honor You—we ask for conviction and repentance. Help them to align their growth with Your Word, not with the wisdom of the world. May their evolution be rooted in You, and may they bear fruit that lasts, as John 15:5 reminds us, "I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Finally, Father, we ask that You would fill them with Your peace as they navigate this season. Remind them that You are their firm foundation, and that true growth is not about leaving people behind, but about becoming more like Christ in every area of their life. We pray this in the mighty name of Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Amen.
We encourage you to spend time in God’s Word, seeking His direction for this season. If you are feeling restless or unsettled, ask Him to reveal the root of those feelings. Is it conviction from the Holy Spirit, or is it a desire for change that stems from selfishness or impatience? Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, "Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Surrender your plans, your relationships, and your growth to Him, and trust that He will lead you in the way you should go.