You are never alone

Craig walked into Lancaster Hall, not knowing what to expect. His friend, Bruce, had asked him to meet up.

As he walked into the hall, about 150 friends stood up and started singing a birthday song for him. They had planned a surprise party. He could not believe it!

But some months later, the tragic loss of one of his relatives led him to accept Jesus as His Lord and Saviour. He could no longer associate with most of his friends as all they did together were drinking, partying, discussing their immoral activities, etc. He decided that he did not want their ungodly influence to impact him negatively.

Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits” (1 Corinthians 15:33).

On his next birthday, he barely had 5 messages from those friends. There was no party. He was feeling lonely but at peace.

When we change directions, from our sinful ways to traveling in the path of righteousness, we might lose friends. That’s because those friends travel a different direction and are not on the same path with us. Of course, we are not on a deliberate mission to severe friendships with them just because we are now born again. However, the reality remains that after the experience of salvation, our interests, desires, activities, etc. will not align with those of our friends who have not experienced salvation.

Can two walk together unless they are agreed? (Amos 3:3).

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God… (2 Corinthians 6:14-16).

It is never an easy experience to lose friends. It can be painful, heart-breaking, lonely, and even tempting to compromise so we can keep our friendships. But through this experience, God can work out His will in our lives and in the lives of our friends.

Let us remember that the reason for the loss is because of our faith, our confession of Jesus as Lord and Saviour of our lives, and our desire to please God in all that we do. “…Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (James 4:4).

Some of the things we can do during this period include:

• Loving them (Romans 13:8).
• Praying for them (Matthew 5:43-47).
• Feeding on the promises of God (Luke 6:22-23).
• Praying for godly friendships (Proverbs 18:24).

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:8).