You always have to put your relationship with God above everything else, including your friendships. If a friendship is detracting from your walk with God rather than adding to it, it's time to end that friendship. As Jesus said in Matthew 5:30, “And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away.
Friends Do Matter
A glance at the book of Proverbs reminds us: “Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare” (Prov. 13:20 ). Tight friendships with the angry rub off on you.
The Friendship is Not Something You Can Rely on in Times of Needs. As mentioned in no. 5, God does not want you to be misused or taken advantage of by other people. So, if your so-called friend is always available for hangouts but never to help you, the Lord probably wants you to end the friendship.
The relationship has become toxic and overbearing
If the relationship has become a catalyst for constant stress in your life, God is telling you to end the relationship. It is impossible for two people to be in a healthy happy relationship if there is consistent disagreement between them.
Proverbs 18:24
"One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."
“Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters” (2 Corinthians 6:17, 18). When it comes to becoming familiar with sin, God would have us keep our distance.
Bad friendships can result in negative consequences for both the bad friend and the person they are hurting. Eventually, a bad friend might end up lonely and isolated. The negativity can rub off on your other relationships and other areas of your life. Your self-esteem could be lowered.
One sign that is very clear that God is telling you to move on is if the relationship is unbiblical or it is consistently causing you to sin. Sometimes we over complicate knowing the will of God for our lives. When it comes to matters clearly explained in the Bible, we do not need to wonder what God is saying.
Family ties and friendships are important. but, above all relationships, our commitment to Jesus must come first. When it does, we have the courage to walk away from any toxic relationship, no matter how close we are to the person. Jesus was clear that sometimes faith and family will conflict.
Psalm 147:3
The Bible says the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and heals the brokenhearted. So, not only will God provide comfort as you move on from a past relationship, but He'll actually help you do it. God will help you heal from the wounds caused by the relationship and move forward in life and love.
Friendships are a source of emotional support and boost our health and well-being. Some signs that it may be time to end a friendship include gossip, manipulation, or disrespecting boundaries. Most friendships drift apart naturally.
A godly friend speaks truth into your life, even when it is difficult to hear. A true friend loves you and genuinely wants the best for you. They will tell you both the good and the bad. She will tell you when she feels that you are walking away from the Lord or if she feels that you have been walking closer with God.
But don't feel guilty about cutting ties when a friendship isn't worth it, Degges-White adds: “If you've given the relationship a fair chance and you are just not getting what you need from the relationship, it is absolutely okay to move on.” Making small, incremental changes to your routine can add up to big results.
If your friend is making your life difficult, then it's time you end this friendship for good. Yes, we agree you might have grown up together, shared many memories, and it might be really hard for you to let go of the friendship. But there's really no point holding on to it, if it has become toxic.
1 Corinthians 7:15 Amplified Bible (AMP)
But if the unbelieving partner leaves, let him leave. In such cases the [remaining] brother or sister is not [spiritually or morally] bound. But God has called us to peace.
Prayer for letting go of a loved one
I ask that You would help me to release my hold on this person and entrust them fully to Your care. Help me to find peace in knowing that they are now in Your presence and free from pain and suffering.
Galatians 6:9 – Do Not Grow Weary In Doing Good
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. This is the first verse I turn to when I feel like giving up.
“A friendship can be toxic when one person makes the relationship all about them,” says Degges-White. “If they only call you when they need something, they aren't leaving any space for you or your needs.” HOW TO DIAGNOSE IT: Trust your gut—you'll know if your friendship isn't equal.
Toxic friends will make you feel bad, small, stressed, or uncared for in one way or another, whether it's through talking about you behind your back, subtle manipulation, codependence, or disregarding your feelings and experiences.