How to Build Healthy Friendships:

Avoiding the Wrong Influences

The people we surround ourselves with have a direct impact on our mindset, behaviors, and personal growth. While we are called to love and serve everyone, we also need to be intentional about who we allow into our inner circle. Choosing the wrong friends can pull us away from our values, hinder our growth, and even lead us down destructive paths. Here’s a look at the types of people to avoid as close friends and why your relationships matter.

1. Avoid Lazy People

2 Thessalonians 3:6 (TEV) – Our friends, we command you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to keep away from all believers who are living a lazy life and who do not follow the instructions that we gave them.

Laziness isn’t just about refusing to work—it’s about a mindset of complacency. Surrounding yourself with people who lack motivation can stunt your own drive and lead to a cycle of inaction. If you want to grow in life, business, and faith, you need people who challenge and inspire you.

✅ Choose friends who push you to be better, not those who hold you back.

2. Avoid Angry People

Proverbs 22:24-25 (TEV) – Don’t make friends with people who have hot, violent tempers. You might learn their habits and not be able to change.

Anger is contagious. If you’re constantly around people who are bitter, aggressive, or quick to lash out, their negativity will begin to shape your thoughts and reactions. A healthy friendship should bring peace and encouragement, not constant conflict.

✅ Seek friendships that cultivate patience, kindness, and wisdom.

3. Avoid Immoral People

1 Corinthians 5:9-11 (TEV) – I told you not to associate with immoral people… you should not associate with a person who calls himself a believer but is immoral or greedy or worships idols or is a slanderer or a drunkard or a thief. Don’t even sit down to eat with such a person.

We all make mistakes, but habitual immoral behavior—especially from those who claim to share our values—can lead us astray. The people closest to us should be examples of integrity and honor, helping us walk in faith and purpose.

✅ Align yourself with people who live out the values you aspire to.

4. Avoid Greedy People

Proverbs 23:6-7 (NIV) – Do not eat the food of a stingy man, do not crave his delicacies; for he is the kind of man who is always thinking about the cost.

Greedy people prioritize personal gain over relationships. They are transactional, not relational, and often lack generosity, humility, and true friendship. Healthy friendships are built on mutual trust and giving, not selfish ambition.

✅ Surround yourself with people who value generosity and selflessness.

5. Avoid People Who Undermine Your Faith

2 Corinthians 6:14 (NLT) – Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?

This doesn’t mean we should avoid people who believe differently than us—we are called to love and share Christ with everyone. However, our closest relationships should be with people who support our faith and encourage us in our walk with God.

✅ Build friendships that strengthen your faith, not weaken it.

Love Everyone, But Choose Your Inner Circle Wisely

While we are called to love and serve all people, that doesn’t mean we should let just anyone shape our hearts and decisions. Your closest friends should inspire, challenge, and support you in becoming the best version of yourself.

📅 Are your friendships helping or hindering your growth? If you’re struggling to build healthy relationships, life coaching can help you gain clarity, set boundaries, and develop the connections you need.

📞 Let’s connect! Schedule a free consultation today to explore how coaching can help you build stronger, healthier relationships.

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