2 Corinthians 5-6, Psalm 1
2 Corinthians 6:14-15 (NLT)
“Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever?”
In 2 Corinthians 6:14–15, Paul writes to believers at the church in Corinth to be careful about forming binding alliances with unbelievers. If both partners have differing beliefs, it can lead to conflict and disagreements. Differing spiritual values can also lead to compromises for the believer. A binding partnership can also have an ungodly influence on believers who are called by the Lord to be set apart and live holy lives.
I was struck by these verses because the Holy Spirit has been guiding me to examine the friendships I have in my life. I have many close friends who are not born again. As I try to live according to the covenant I have with the Lord, there are fewer things I have in common with these close friends. I’ve also started to notice that they follow the popular pastime of criticizing people who love Father-God. They say I am excluded from their criticism, but it bothers me to listen to it. Some of the things they say are so wrong and inaccurate, and I want to correct them, but they are only repeating what they’ve heard on TV shows or the news.
So I stay silent and pray for my friends, but I do find myself less eager to spend time with them. I never thought having unbelievers as friends would present challenges to my spiritual growth, but I am starting to understand Paul’s warning in these verses. The Holy Spirit is changing what I believe so I can grow closer to the Lord. I am starting to develop closer friendships with other believers, and it makes such a difference because these friends encourage me so much more than my unbelieving friends. I can see how having close relationships with believers can help a person grow closer to Father-God.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who guides us in building relationships that honor Him and strengthen our faith—this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus' name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord's love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
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