2 Timothy 2:22, is a great example of this balance. It encourages us to flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, while also seeking out relationships with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. This reminds us to prioritize relationships that promote spiritual growth and edification, while avoiding those that might lead us astray.
As followers of Christ, we are called to love and forgive others, but that doesn't mean we should expose ourselves to harmful influences. The Bible warns us to be wise and set boundaries to protect our spiritual well-being.
As Christians, we are called to love and fellowship with others, but the Bible also warns us about the company we keep. Some individuals can have a negative influence on our spiritual well-being, leading us astray from God's truth and wisdom.
* Proverbs 13:20 says, "Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble."
* In 2 Timothy 2:22, Paul advises, "Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart."
* 2 Thessalonians 3:6 instructs, "Keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us."
We will explore the types of people God wants us to avoid, supported by Bible verses.
1. False Teachers (2 Peter 2:1-3)
"But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed."
2. Gossipers and Slanderers (Proverbs 18:8, Psalm 101:5)
"The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go deep into the inner parts of the body."
"Whoever slanders his neighbour secretly I will destroy."
3. Divisive People (Romans 16:17-18, Titus 3:10)
"I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them."
"Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, knowing that such a person is perverted and sinful; he is self-condemned."
4. Worldly Influences (1 Corinthians 15:33, 2 Thessalonians 2:3)
"Do not be deceived: 'Bad company ruins good morals.'"
"Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction."
While we are called to love and minister to all people, the Bible cautions us about the company we keep. False teachers, gossipers, divisive individuals, and worldly influences can lead us astray and compromise our faith. By being mindful of these warnings and avoiding such relationships, we can protect our spiritual well-being and walk in the light of God's truth.
Let us be mindful of the company we keep and the behaviors we tolerate, lest we fall prey to harmful influences. By setting wise boundaries and surrounding ourselves with godly examples, we can grow in our faith and live a life pleasing to God.
