As much as we wish we could keep all of our friendships, it doesn’t always work that way. Over time, you may discover that a friendship is having a negative effect on your life. So, how do you know when it’s time let go of those few unhealthy friendships?

Let Go When Peace Can’t Be Found

When a friendship is only causing you stress, it’s probably not the best friendship to keep around. If a friend is causing you stress, it’s best to discuss the matter with them and, if possible, make peace. Let them know you just can no longer continue on the same path. If you can’t resolve the issue, you two will have to go your own separate ways and leave the friendship in the past.

I know it’s best to live at peace with everyone, or least try to, but the truth is you don’t need everyone you bring into your life. Some people God only meant to have in your life for a season as opposed to a lifetime.

Obviously, we are to love our enemies, too, but there comes a time when you just have to love from afar through prayer and submitting that relationship entirely to Jesus. If you’re finding yourself constantly demeaned and it’s affecting your inner being, let them go.

Protect Your Spiritual Growth

At some point in your life, you will have someone you will have to let go because they’re causing harm to you or perhaps even your family. I know it’s hard to let go, especially when you’ve shared some truly happy memories, but sometimes it’s the best thing to do for your spiritual growth. One single root of destruction can cause a hard harboring within. That’s something to look out for, because words can be painful and hard to get over.

The good news is that we have first and foremost Jesus, our King, as our friend. He is our confidant in every single circumstance we find ourselves in. He is always there, even when friends fail us. God has ways with time we’ll never be able to understand, but we can trust that He knows what He’s doing with every single one of the friendships in our lives.

“No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.”  —John 15:15

Don’t be afraid to let go, but let go in peace and let go kindly. Be willing to be bold for the betterment of your spiritual growth; not everyone who comes into your life was meant to stay. A godly friendship sharpens, not stabs. A godly friendship encourages, not demeans. Remember that the next time you’re sitting beside a friend who is hurting you with their words.

You may also be interested in Choosing Quality Over Quantity When It Comes To Friendship