Condescension vs. Discernment in Friendships

Be a friend to all.

In life, though, there are just some people that you prefer to stay on an acquaintance level. On my part, this is not because they're not cool enough to be my friend. Truth be told, I don't feel good enough to be a lot of people's friend. Rather, it's because I have seen their doubtful influence on other people's lives. Rather than pointing struggling people to God, they condone their self-pity and pride. They help keep bitterness harboured in the heart, rather than sustain a person in prayer. Some, sadly, resort to labeling sin under mental illness and other psychological illnesses. They support nursing of ill-feelings. They act as if their happiness depends on friends.

There's a difference between condescension and preferring to stay on an acquaintance level. Condescension is the feeling of self-conceited superiority above another; hence, one feels that the other is not worthy to be his or her friend. The latter option, however, is totally the opposite of condescension. Preferring to stay on an acquaintance level comes with spiritual discernment...which comes with earnest prayer and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Yes, you can be a friend to all. In fact, God commands us to love the brethren; such a statement leaves no room for "buts." I do believe, however, that there are some people who it is best not to associate with too often. It's not that I avoid them like a plague (to borrow the cliche); it's more that I am friendly towards them (which is different from being friendly to their face!), and show genuine concern and sympathy towards them, but do not seek to monopolize their lives, their walk with God, and their relationship with family.


"By your fruits ye shall know them" (Matt.7:16).

"Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners" (1 Cor.15:33).

Helpless

I think my heart will break.

O God, why do some people think they're forced to fight life out all by themselves? Why do they believe that the family doesn't care? Why do they turn to friends who join them in their woeful view of life? Doing this just erodes the family relationship, and turns their hearts away from the family. Why, O God? My heart is just so heavy....

Satan is doing his best to destroy people with bitterness and hate. He is succeeding.

O God, please be merciful. Intercede!