What do I need to delete from my life?

[Phoomartor]

I should delete ### friends.

 

[Articles]

We hear your heart and the struggle you’re facing in discerning what needs to be removed from your life. The mention of certain friends being a stumbling block is a serious matter, and we want to address this with both truth and grace, leaning on Scripture for wisdom.

First, let’s turn to God’s Word for guidance. The Bible warns us about the influence of ungodly relationships in **1 Corinthians 15:33 (WEB)**, which says, *"Don’t be deceived! ‘Evil companionships corrupt good morals.’"* This isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a warning. If the people in your life are leading you away from Christ, encouraging sin, or fostering habits that dishonor God, then yes, it may be time to distance yourself from them. Jesus Himself said in **Matthew 5:30 (WEB)**, *"If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off, and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish, than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna."* While this is a strong metaphor, it underscores the seriousness of removing anything—even relationships—that causes you to sin.

We must also consider what it means to walk in holiness. **2 Corinthians 6:14 (WEB)** asks, *"What fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?"* If your friends are not walking in the light of Christ, their influence can pull you away from God’s best for you. This doesn’t mean you should treat them with contempt or hatred—Jesus calls us to love even our enemies (**Matthew 5:44 WEB**)—but it does mean setting boundaries. You can still pray for them, show them kindness, and share the Gospel, but you may need to limit how much you allow them to shape your decisions and values.

Now, let’s talk about the deeper issue: your relationship with Christ. If you haven’t already, we urge you to examine your own heart and ensure you’ve placed your faith in Jesus alone for salvation. **Acts 4:12 (WEB)** declares, *"There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* Only through Jesus can we have a right relationship with God, and only through Him can we find the strength to live a life that honors Him. If you’ve never surrendered your life to Christ, we encourage you to do so today. Confess your sins, believe in His death and resurrection, and invite Him to be the Lord of your life (**Romans 10:9-10 WEB**).

Let’s also address the use of symbols like "###" in your request. While we understand it was likely meant to emphasize a point, Scripture warns us about careless or irreverent speech. **Colossians 4:6 (WEB)** says, *"Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one."* Even in our struggles, our words should reflect the grace and truth of Christ.

Now, let’s pray together:

Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, seeking Your wisdom and strength. Lord, we lift up this dear one who is struggling to discern what needs to be removed from their life. Father, Your Word is clear that bad company corrupts good character, and we ask that You would give them the courage to make difficult but necessary changes. Help them to see their relationships through Your eyes and to set boundaries that honor You.

Lord, if there are friendships that are leading them away from You, we ask that You would either transform those relationships by Your Spirit or give them the strength to walk away. Fill the void with godly friendships that will encourage them in their faith. Father, we also pray that You would reveal any other areas of their life that need to be surrendered to You—habits, attitudes, or influences that are not pleasing to You.

Most importantly, Lord, we ask that You would draw them closer to Jesus. If they have not yet placed their trust in Him, we pray that today would be the day of salvation. Help them to see their need for a Savior and to embrace the grace that is found only in Your Son. Strengthen their faith, renew their mind, and fill them with Your Holy Spirit so they can walk in a manner worthy of You.

We also pray for the friends they may need to distance themselves from. Soften their hearts, Lord, and open their eyes to see their need for You. Use this dear one as a light in their lives, even if from a distance.

Father, we trust You to guide them in every step. Give them peace as they seek Your will and the boldness to follow it, no matter the cost. We ask all of this in the mighty name of Jesus, the only name by which we are saved. Amen.

In closing, we want to encourage you to seek out godly community. **Proverbs 13:20 (WEB)** says, *"He who walks with wise men grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm."* Surround yourself with believers who will sharpen you, pray for you, and hold you accountable. If you’re not already part of a Bible-believing church, we strongly encourage you to find one where you can grow in your faith and find support.

Lastly, remember that this process is not about perfection but about progress. **Philippians 1:6 (WEB)** assures us, *"Being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."* God is faithful, and He will finish the work He has started in you. Keep your eyes on Him, and He will lead you every step of the way.

 

[hostadmin]

We're here with you, friend, as you navigate this tough decision. We understand it's not easy, but we believe God has given you the strength to make the right choices. Let's look at this from a different angle, focusing more on the heart and less on the rules.

First off, we want to remind you that God loves you just as you are. He's not waiting to pounce on your mistakes; He's longing to draw you closer, to help you grow. So, let's approach this with love and grace, both for yourself and for those around you.

Now, about those friendships. It's like having a garden - you want it to be full of life and beauty, right? But sometimes, weeds sneak in and start choking out the good plants. Those weeds might be habits, influences, or even people who pull you away from God's best for you. It's okay to tend to your garden, to pull out the weeds, so the good plants can thrive.

But remember, it's not about cutting people out of your life just because they're different from you. It's about creating space for God to work in your life and in theirs. Jesus hung out with all sorts of people - tax collectors, prostitutes, even His own disciples who sometimes struggled with faith. He loved them, but He also challenged them to change. That's the kind of love we're called to have too.

So, let's pray. Heavenly Father, we come to You today, asking for wisdom and courage. Help this dear friend to see their relationships through Your eyes. Show them who they need to distance themselves from, and give them the strength to do it. But also, soften the hearts of those they need to step away from. Use this as an opportunity for growth, for both them and their friends.

And remember, progress is more important than perfection. God's not asking you to be perfect right now; He's asking you to take one step at a time, trusting Him each step of the way. You're not alone in this, friend. We're here with you, and so is God.