Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” – 1 Corinthians 15:33
The Influence of Bad Company
As we navigate our relationships, we must always remember the power of influence that those around us can have on our lives. When we surround ourselves with individuals who choose to embrace sin, it can lead to negative consequences in our spiritual journey. The Bible warns us firmly about the company we keep, stating that bad company corrupts good character. This isn’t to say that we should shun all sinners, but rather be careful of the relationships we form and how they may impact our faith. We can be a light to others while remaining grounded in our values, ensuring that we are not pulled away from our beliefs but instead guide others towards a better path.
Proverbs 13:20
Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. – Proverbs 13:20
Proverbs 22:24-25
Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may burn out their ways and get yourself ensnared. – Proverbs 22:24-25
James 4:4
You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. – James 4:4
Proverbs 1:10
My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them. – Proverbs 1:10
1 Corinthians 5:11
But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people. – 1 Corinthians 5:11
Reaching Out Vs. Becoming Like Them
As we strive to share the love of Christ, we are sometimes called to interact with those who might lead us astray. However, it is important to strike a balance between reaching out to sinners and ensuring that we do not become influenced by their sins. Our mission is not to become like them but to guide them towards the light of our faith. We remind ourselves to be selective in our relationships, understanding that our purpose is to bring hope and healing without being dragged down by their negativity. By choosing wisely, we can effectively minister to them while also nurturing our own spiritual health.
Matthew 9:12-13
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.” – Matthew 9:12-13
John 17:15-16
My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. – John 17:15-16
Galatians 6:1
Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. – Galatians 6:1
1 John 5:19
We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. – 1 John 5:19
2 Corinthians 6:14
Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? – 2 Corinthians 6:14
Living as Salt and Light
In a world surrounded by darkness and sin, we are called to be the salt and light that shines brightly. This means actively participating in our communities, sharing God’s love, and influencing those around us. However, we must always check our hearts and motives in these interactions. Are we leading them towards a greater understanding of Christ, or are we grieving the Holy Spirit by blending in with their sinful ways? Salt enhances flavor and light dispels darkness, and our goal is to reflect Christ’s love, illuminating the truth to those who are lost. By remaining steadfast in our faith, we can be catalysts for change without compromising our values.
Matthew 5:13
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. – Matthew 5:13
Matthew 5:14
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. – Matthew 5:14
Philippians 2:15
So that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky. – Philippians 2:15
Ephesians 5:8
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light. – Ephesians 5:8
Colossians 4:5
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. – Colossians 4:5
Building Healthy Relationships
Each relationship we nurture should ideally draw us closer to our faith and strengthen our connection with God. Building friendships with other believers can provide a safe space for accountability and encouragement. However, we can still extend kindness to sinners, showing God’s love through acts of compassion while guarding our hearts. By surrounding ourselves with supportive, godly friends, we can create an environment that fosters growth and aligns our priorities with God’s purpose. Healthy relationships uplift us; they do not pull us down. Let us strive to choose relationships that encourage us to walk in faith, creating a solid support system together.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them. – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. – Hebrews 10:24-25
Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. – Proverbs 27:17
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Proverbs 24:6
For by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory. – Proverbs 24:6
The Importance of Discernment
In our interactions, we must remain discerning about our relationships and the effects they have on our spiritual journey. It is important to ask ourselves if we are a positive influence in these relationships, or if they lead us away from God’s truth. God calls us to be wise in our choices and to seek counsel from His Word in matters of friendship. We must embrace a spirit of discernment, seeking God’s guidance in choosing our friends. The freedom we have in Christ empowers us to make choices that benefit not only our personal growth but also the collective spirit of the community we are a part of.
Philippians 1:9-10
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. – Philippians 1:9-10
Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans 12:2
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6
1 Thessalonians 5:21
But test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil. – 1 Thessalonians 5:21
Hebrews 5:14
But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. – Hebrews 5:14
Finding Redemption in Jesus
Regardless of our past or the choices that led us to walk alongside sinners, we have hope in Christ. Jesus came for the lost, the broken, and the sinners—showing us that redemption is always possible. We can reflect this truth in our own lives and have compassion for those entangled in sin. The love of Jesus transforms us, and we have the privilege of sharing this gospel of salvation with everyone. Surrounding ourselves with those in need of His grace can revitalize our mission, reminding us of the power of redemption those we connect with may desperately need. Our interactions can serve as a testimony of God’s love and grace poured into our lives.
Luke 19:10
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. – Luke 19:10
Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5:8
Matthew 11:28
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. – Matthew 11:28
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Ephesians 2:8-9
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. – Ephesians 2:8-9
Final Thoughts
In reflecting on the theme of surrounding ourselves with sinners, we realize how vital it is to choose our relationships wisely. While we are called to shine as lights in dark places, we must also guard our hearts against influences that can lead us the wrong way. Building healthy, supportive relationships can lift us up and keep our faith strong. We also have the incredible opportunity to participate in the redemption journey of others—bringing hope to those who need it most. Our connections can serve a dual purpose: to share the love of Christ and to ensure we remain anchored in our faith. We must trust God to guide us in finding a balance that honors Him.
For more encouraging content about relationships and choices, consider looking at our posts on friends making bad choices or friends and enemies. Discover more wisdom that can help shape your walk in faith.