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What does the Bible say about being friends with non christians?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible permits and encourages Christians to show genuine love and practical kindness to non-Christians, while warning them not to form relationships that draw them into sin or compromise their allegiance to Christ. First Corinthians 5:9-13 distinguishes ordinary contact with unbelievers from close fellowship that tolerates persistent, professed-Christian rebellion. Second Corinthians 6:14 and 1 Corinthians 15:33 caution against binding partnerships and corrupting influences, not compassionate friendship or witness. Christians are to do good to all people (Galatians 6:10), speak graciously (Colossians 4:2-6), and avoid conformity to the world (Romans 12:2). Friendship should therefore be marked by sincere care, clear Christian conviction, and a desire to point others to Christ.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • 2 Corinthians 6:14

    Don't be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? Or what communion has light with darkness?

  • 1 Corinthians 15:33

    Don't be deceived! "Evil companionships corrupt good morals."

  • 1 Corinthians 5:9-13

    [9] I wrote to you in my letter to have no company with sexual sinners; [10] yet not at all meaning with the sexual sinners of this world, or with the covetous and extortioners, or with idolaters; for then you would have to leave the world. [11] But as it is, I wrote to you not to associate with anyone who is called a brother who is a sexual sinner, or covetous, or an idolater, or a slanderer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner. Don't even eat with such a person. [12] For what have I to do with also judging those who are outside? Don't you judge those who are within? [13] But those who are outside, God judges. "Put away the wicked man from among yourselves."

  • 2 John 1:10-11

    [10] If anyone comes to you, and doesn't bring this teaching, don't receive him into your house, and don't welcome him, [11] for he who welcomes him participates in his evil works.

  • Matthew 12:30

    "He who is not with me is against me, and he who doesn't gather with me, scatters.

  • Ezekiel 33:9

    Nevertheless, if you warn the wicked of his way to turn from it, and he doesn't turn from his way; he shall die in his iniquity, but you have delivered your soul.

  • Romans 12:2

    Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.

  • Galatians 6:10

    So then, as we have opportunity, let's do what is good toward all men, and especially toward those who are of the household of the faith.

  • Colossians 4:2-6

    [2] Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving; [3] praying together for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds; [4] that I may reveal it as I ought to speak. [5] Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. [6] Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

  • Mark 16:16

    He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who disbelieves will be condemned.

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