Judged by the Company We Keep
1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV, “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”
Proverbs 13:20 ESV, “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”
Matthew 9:12-13 NIV, “On hearing this, Jesus said, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’”
The company we keep can either build us up or tear us down. Scripture warns us that bad company can corrupt
our good character, 1 Corinthians 15:33 KJV, yet at the same time, we are called to reach out to those who are hurting, lost, and in need of healing, Matthew 9:12-13 KJV. As Christians, we must discern the balance between helping those in need and allowing their influence to affect our walk with Christ.
Jesus Himself spent time with tax collectors, sinners, and those whom society had rejected, but He never compromised His character or His mission. He came not to participate in their sin but to set them free. This is our example—to love and help those in bondage, but to remain separate from the sin that holds them captive. Proverbs 13:20 KJV, reminds us that “the companion of fools will suffer harm.” We must be mindful of the influence our closest relationships have on us.
It is important to recognize that not everyone is ready to be free from sin. Some people, despite being in a position of needing help, are unwilling to change. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 14:7 NIV, “Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips.” While we are to offer mercy and extend grace, we are not called to subject ourselves to relationships that lead us away from Christ.
We must practice discernment in relationships. There’s a fine line between offering help and being pulled down by someone else’s sin. Jesus calls us to be a light in the darkness, but we must also guard our hearts and walk with wisdom. Walking closely with those who choose sin can easily lead us into temptation and away from God’s best for us. This doesn’t mean we should avoid or judge those who are struggling, but rather that we should seek discernment in how to help them.
Not everyone is ready to be free. Some are still clinging to their bondage, unwilling to let go of the sin that enslaves them. In these situations, it is important to pray for them, love them from a distance, and continue living as a witness of God’s truth without compromising our walk.
Helping the Hurting Without Compromising
Discern the Influence
Ask yourself if you are influencing those around you for Christ or if they are influencing you toward sin. If the latter is true, you may need to distance yourself from that relationship while still praying for and loving the person.Be a Light, Not a Follower
Jesus was always the one influencing others, not the other way around. When you spend time with those who are hurting, make sure you are leading them toward healing and freedom in Christ, not being led into their bondage.Know When to Step Back
Not everyone is ready for freedom. When someone refuses to change or continually pulls you away from your faith, it may be time to step back and let God do the work in their heart. Trust the Holy Spirit to move in their life while you continue to pray for them from a distance.Choose Your Closest Relationships Wisely
While we are called to help those in need, our closest companions should be those who encourage us in our walk with Christ. Surround yourself with godly friends who build you up and keep you accountable.
Declarations:
I walk with the wise and grow in wisdom, choosing godly relationships that encourage my faith.
I offer love and mercy to those in need, without compromising my walk with Christ.
I am discerning in my relationships, led by the Holy Spirit to be a light to the hurting.
I guard my heart from the influence of sin and remain strong in my faith.
I trust God to move in the lives of those who are not yet ready for freedom, praying for their deliverance.