Some thoughts friendships, renewing one's mind, 2011

[PinkPebbles]

I have to agree with your post, that God ordains 'certain special' relationships between those saved and unsaved. Were it not for the love and prayers of my dearest friends and family members, I would not be saved and built up in the Word as God has so ordained. God had me covered...

I have to cosign!

When I have the opportunity to meet people I observe their character and personality. Normally, we have something in common that connects us; whether it's our career, fashion, hobby, etc. From that point I allow it to flow. As Sidney mentioned, a good or god-ordained relationship will produce fruit.

And I really think that's what important. Do you see fruit bearing in your relationships!?!.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I have friends from all walks of life. All of us are not on the same spiritual level but we serve different purposes in each other lives. And I'm not being influenced in a negative way.

 

[sidney]

I have to cosign!

When I have the opportunity to meet people I observe their character and personality. Normally, we have something in common that connects us; whether it's our career, fashion, hobby, etc. From that point I allow it to flow. As Sidney mentioned, a good or god-ordained relationship will produce fruit.

And I really think that's what important. Do you see fruit bearing in your relationships!?!.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I have friends from all walks of life. All of us are not on the same spiritual level but we serve different purposes in each other lives. And I'm not being influenced in a negative way.

I know exactly what you mean by watching character, like you said earlier
"like attracts like." I have a feeling there will be a lot of different experiences because God works in many awesome ways. The important thing is that we are all prayerful and allow God to lead us in our friendships.

 

[Shimmie]

I love this thread. It's going to bless someone who's been searching for answers about a relationship, where they have been struggling to leave or not to leave.

I believe that God is setting them 'free' from the 'guilt' of letting someone go who is not meant to be a part of God's plan for their life.

It's not a 'cruel' departure, simply one that is best for each involved.

Just allow God to be God and allow His transition to flow. :Rose:

 

[sidney]

I love this thread. It's going to bless someone who's been searching for answers about a relationship, where they have been struggling to leave or not to leave.



I believe that God is setting them 'free' from the 'guilt' of letting someone go who is not meant to be a part of God's plan for their life.



It's not a 'cruel' departure, simply one that is best for each involved.



Just allow God to be God and allow His transition to flow.

I agree, I like how Laela put it, there are no "failed" relationships when God is leading us in and out of relationships. Friendship is a great responsibility and we should take great care concerning who we take as friends and be careful how we transition out of them as well because we represent the body.

 

[aribell]

There is a Different Glory


Today as I reflected on a relationship with a particular leader, I heard Yahweh say, “There is a different glory; there are different glories.” He then ministered from this scriptural premise:

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. –Romans 12:3

Each man is given a different measure of faith; we don’t all receive the same level of faith. Now, hold onto this. If we don’t all receive the same measure of faith, what makes us think the glory upon our life is the same? Yes, it’s all Him, but there are different ministrations which He gives severally and individually as He chooses. So, if you find that your relationships keep changing, it might have something to do with the glory grace upon your life. Expect your relationships to change as you come around different glory bends in the road of your glory journey.

I’ve said it before and now He speaks through me again and says, “The road of glory is a separator!” Each of us are fearfully and wonderfully made and that making process is tailored made based on the dimension, level, and type of glory bestowed on us before the foundation of the world (Psalm 139:14). There are different glories, and there is a different glory awaiting each of us. This glory determines who stays, goes, and comes into our lives. Expect these types of relationship changes. If you aren’t finding this to be true for you, then you really need to examine your spiritual life in light of the scripture that tells us we go from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18). How frequently this takes place is solely based on how frequently and how much you obey Ruach haKodesh (Holy Spirit). As for me and my household (both natural and spiritual), we go from glory to glory daily. Now, I realize this is a different glory (2 Corinthians 3:8 AMP)!

With rich, unique, and different glory,



Prophetess Karen M. Pina

Copyright © 2010-2013 THE HOUSE OF PRAYER – AN ARRMED
DIAMEN/Karen M. Pina

****************************

 

[sidney]

****************************

Nicola you always post the best articles. I remembered your article today about spiritual seasons an I searched the internet until I found it!Thanks....

 

[sidney]

Here's an old poem this thread made me think of:

Everyone Can't be in your front row



Author: Unknown

Life is a theater so invite your audiences carefully. Not everyone is holy enough and healthy enough to have a FRONT ROW seat in our lives.

There are some people in your life that need to be loved from a distance.



It's amazing what you can accomplish when you let go, or at least minimize your time with draining, negative, incompatible, not-going-anywhere relationships, friendships, fellowships and family!

Everyone Can't be in Your FRONT ROW.



Observe the relationships around you. Pay attention to: Which ones lift and which ones lean?

Which ones encourage and which ones discourage?

Which ones are on a path of growth uphill and which ones are just going downhill?



When you leave certain people, do you feel better or feel worse?

Which ones always have drama or don't really understand, know and appreciate you and the gift that lies within you?

Everyone Can't be in Your FRONT ROW.



The more you seek God and the things of God, the more you seek quality, the more you seek not just the hand of God but the face of God, the more you seek things honorable, the more you seek growth, peace of mind, love and truth around you, the easier it will become for you to decide who gets to sit in the FRONT ROW and who should be moved to the balcony of your life.

Everyone Can't be in Your FRONT ROW.



You cannot change the people around you...but you can change the people you are around!

Ask God for wisdom and discernment and choose wisely the people who sit in the FRONT ROW of your life.



Remember that FRONT ROW seats are for special and deserving people and those who sit in your FRONT ROW should be chosen carefully.


Everyone Can't be in Your FRONT ROW

You really have me thinking about the front row here! Jesus, had an huge audience of followers, he had many kinds of friends....but there were only a few that could make it to the front row. It was a previledge for the disciples to be in the front row...they could experience Jesus in a way that others could not. Front row seats are EXPENSIVE because you experience the game/show/concert in a way that others can not. Because you can see EVERYTHING! Every well-executed jump shot, every mistake or imperfection! You are right there! The disciples where able to see Jesus on his highs, like when there were miraculous healings. They were able to see he's lows in Gesthsemane and of course, the cross. But they paid a great price....because they had to give up everything to walk so closely with God. Our front row seats should also be expensive seats. Not just anybody should be able to be on the front row. The people who will "see you through" the high's and lows of your performance should be there. The one's who will help bear your burdens(Galatians 6:2), the one's love you not only in words but in actions and truth(1 John 3:18), those that will sharpen you (proverbs 27:17; proverbs 13:20), rejoice and morn with with you(romans 12:15), encourage and edify you (1 Thessalonians 5:11), esteem you highly(phillipians 2:3), those that will be transparent with you and pray for you (james 5:16). ETA: The one's who will correct you for your good (proverbs 27:6), defend you (romans 12:19....i know that text was a stretch lol), pull you up if you fall (ecclesiates 4:10).


Yes, reserve the very best seats for those who are invest in making you the best you can be.

 

[tyrablu]

I love this thread. It's going to bless someone who's been searching for answers about a relationship, where they have been struggling to leave or not to leave.

I believe that God is setting them 'free' from the 'guilt' of letting someone go who is not meant to be a part of God's plan for their life.

It's not a 'cruel' departure, simply one that is best for each involved.

Just allow God to be God and allow His transition to flow. :Rose:

Shimmie,

I needed to read this post right here. Thank you so much for this. I am struggling with this exact thing. I just need to let go and let God.

 

[it_comes_naturally]

I love this thread. It's going to bless someone who's been searching for answers about a relationship, where they have been struggling to leave or not to leave.

I believe that God is setting them 'free' from the 'guilt' of letting someone go who is not meant to be a part of God's plan for their life.

It's not a 'cruel' departure, simply one that is best for each involved.

Just allow God to be God and allow His transition to flow. :Rose:

Because the "thanks button" was not enough!

 

[sidney]

Shimmie,

I needed to read this post right here. Thank you so much for this. I am struggling with this exact thing. I just need to let go and let God.

Because the "thanks button" was not enough!

I know Shimmie will encourage you tommorrow but just wanted to share this.

Matthew 19: And everyone that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake shall receive an hundredfold, an shall inherit everlasting life.

I know it's difficult thing to let go of a friend but God will honor your obedience. What ever you give up for Christ, he will restore it. Whatever use lose for him, he will return one-hundred fold. He is able to sen you godly friends and end the friendship in a way that will still give him glory. Take heart. God can handle it.

 

[Prudent1]

^^^Amen Sidney! Ladies, oftentimes God rewards us in this life and in the next!! A lot of times ppl think you have to wait on everything until the sweet by and by. God is so great!:reddancer:

 

[PinkPebbles]

You really have me thinking about the front row here! Jesus, had an huge audience of followers, he had many kinds of friends....but there were only a few that could make it to the front row. It was a previledge for the disciples to be in the front row...they could experience Jesus in a way that others could not. Front row seats are EXPENSIVE because you experience the game/show/concert in a way that others can not. Because you can see EVERYTHING! Every well-executed jump shot, every mistake or imperfection! You are right there! The disciples where able to see Jesus on his highs, like when there were miraculous healings. They were able to see he's lows in Gesthsemane and of course, the cross. But they paid a great price....because they had to give up everything to walk so closely with God. Our front row seats should also be expensive seats. Not just anybody should be able to be on the front row. The people who will "see you through" the high's and lows of your performance should be there. The one's who will help bear your burdens(Galatians 6:2), the one's love you not only in words but in actions and truth(1 John 3:18), those that will sharpen you (proverbs 27:17; proverbs 13:20), rejoice and morn with with you(romans 12:15), encourage and edify you (1 Thessalonians 5:11), esteem you highly(phillipians 2:3), those that will be transparent with you and pray for you (james 5:16). ETA: The one's who will correct you for your good (proverbs 27:6), defend you (romans 12:19....i know that text was a stretch lol), pull you up if you fall (ecclesiates 4:10).


Yes, reserve the very best seats for those who are invest in making you the best you can be.

Very well stated...
The very attributes of a true, genuine, and sincere friend .

 

[aribell]

I love this thread. It's going to bless someone who's been searching for answers about a relationship, where they have been struggling to leave or not to leave.

I believe that God is setting them 'free' from the 'guilt' of letting someone go who is not meant to be a part of God's plan for their life.

It's not a 'cruel' departure, simply one that is best for each involved.

Just allow God to be God and allow His transition to flow. :Rose:

Thank you. That is exactly what this thread is doing for me, and I see many others as well. Guilt has been the #1 reason I have held onto things way past their expiration date.

____________________________________________________________________________
In general, I feel that we are much more concerned with "niceness" and having everyone feel good all the time than the Lord is. We owe people kindness, patience, our prayers; but we don't owe them personal intimacy. Something was posted by a minister that really struck me. She emphasized that God's love is a covenant love. Everyone is not owed, nor experiences, the benefits of God's covenant--but only those who make a covenant with Him. The Lord is certainly kind to the ungrateful and does good to the whole world. But His everlasting faithfulness, His special spiritual blessings, His power--they are reserved for His holy ones.

In learing from the Lord how to love others, we should also embrace this covenant model. Note that David and Jonathan made a covenant with one another:

[16 ] And Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the LORD take vengeance on David's enemies.” [17 ] And Jonathan made David swear again by his love for him, for he loved him as he loved his own soul.

Likewise, Ruth pledged herself to Naomi:

[16 ] But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. [17 ] Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the LORD do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.” [18 ] And when Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more.

And of course with marriage, it is by covenant:

Malachi 2:14--"...she is your companion and your wife by covenant."

It will be the very rare and special relationship that rises to the level of covenant (and a covenant must be intentionally made). There is room in our lives for all sorts of people and types of relationships. They can be fun and edifying and blessed. But remembering the difference between the charity that we are to have toward everyone and the everlasting nature of covenant love can help us to be able to allow different relationships to ebb and flow within our lives without feeling that every one is supposed to be a permanent fixture therein. We have to know the difference between those to whom we are pledged for life (as well as the purpose of such a pledge) and those with whom we may be journeying for a season.

I think that there is a problem culturally that we refuse to pledge ourselves to one another for life, especially not in non-marital relationships. So I believe that we need to become better covenant-makers and covenant-keepers. But in keeping with this thread's theme, we should also discern the difference between covenantal relationships and non-covenantal relationships so that we aren't compelled to share more of our selves than is truly warranted.

Also, I've been thinking about how Jesus responded to the people around Him, and you know, He just wasn't overly concerned with who accepted Him, rejected Him, betrayed Him. His constant concern was with those whom the Father had given Him. At the end, He prayed to the Father that He didn't lose any of the ones that He had been given, save Judas. The Lord always knew that everyone would not be in fellowship with Him. When He said certain things, He fully expected many to leave. And when people chose to walk away, He did not chase after them or plead with them or show anxiety about their departure. I don't at all think that this means that He was indifferent, only that He knew that only some would be able to follow Him. And He also knew our weaknesses, which led to Him forgiving Peter and restoring Him to ministry when he failed.

That said, I think that it's good to know that, no, everyone is not going to want to walk with us and it is what it is. People may fail us and betray us even, but that will not take away from the Father's purpose on our lives. If we keep our eyes focused on the Lord's purpose for us, and maintain faith that He is presently accomplishing that, then it is easier to let things go (people) when they are not jiving with that purpose.

Nicola you always post the best articles. I remembered your article today about spiritual seasons an I searched the internet until I found it!Thanks....

Glad you did! He has some good stuff on there. I love compiling books articles, sermons and whatnot on these things.

 

[Blessed2bless]

The above is very important to remember, I do not believe that we are meant to take this journey on our own/in isolation... I do not believe that every nice person should be a friend, nor do I believe that every God ordained relationship will involve two believers

I personally do not filter who I have in my close circle based on faith and salvation. I have some close friends that I KNOW are important to my purpose/destiny but they were not believers when we met. Over the course of our relationship God has used my salvation, trials, tribulations and walk to bring some of my friends closer to Him. In fact, I also was not saved when I met some of my closest friends but today we are prayer partners and sisters in Christ .

On the flip side, I've had some friendships with good people who love God but they should not have been in my close circle. God MADE me distance myself from these individuals.

In the past I did not pray about friendships until God disciplined me over and over again through bad friendships. Just as we pray about our romantic partners/relationships we should also remember to pray about the people we allow into our lives as friends. A friend outside of God's will can be just as much of a distraction and detour from your purpose as a romantic relationship that is outside of God's will.

Wow! This sounds as if these words can right out of my heart! I totally agree and have experienced the exact same thing.

 

[MSee]

I'm so guilty of the "wanting to be nice" statement. wanting to love even when the hatred I recieve just gets worst and worst. God literally had to take me through some verbal knocked down and dragged out situations. Sad to say the individuals were Christians who were highly esteemed by others.

After the dust cleared and I survived I'm being asked to forget about it. Today I was considering and praying about one of those relationships. The individual persists in doing things and acting as if "I" should be riled up. I don't know how to tell them I couldn't care less. Then there is the guilt of wondering if I should care.

Thankfully, God has proven to have my back in all the drama I went through. Not only has this CF been a place to run to (THANK YOU LADIES), He kept sending people I wouldn't normaly associate with to minister to me and encourage me. However, I haven't felt like any was destined to be long term friendships, although I've been praying for close friends. I have a strong sense that God wants me to heal first so that when He sends friends into my life I wouldn't be pushing them away because of fear of being wounded again. So as wait, I'm learning to be the type of friend I will want. Still want to be nice but will no longer sit back and allow my boundaries to be violated, or disobey God when He tells me get away from someone.

(Admittedly, last year things got so bad that I resolved never to be "nice" again I've repented )

Thanks for this thread.

 

[Shimmie]

Shimmie,

I needed to read this post right here. Thank you so much for this. I am struggling with this exact thing. I just need to let go and let God.

Because the "thanks button" was not enough!

Thank you. That is exactly what this thread is doing for me, and I see many others as well. Guilt has been the #1 reason I have held onto things way past their expiration date.

As Christians, we all want to portray the man we've fallen in love with... Jesus, our Lord and Saviour.

We are the 'Handmaidens' of the Lord, and as such we want to embrace everyone who is in our lives; and it becomes a 'tear' [a cut] in one's spirit to even think of ending a friendship, separate from a family member, or to leave those whom we have been familiar with all of our lives.

God said to Abram [Abraham], to come out and away from his family. Not in heated dispute, nor even disrespect; but out of obedience to God's voice.

This was a prelude [preparation] to the major test that God was to bring upon Abram as Abraham.

God's ultimate command to Abraham:

...... Sacrificing Issac ......

His Son... Long awaited, yet promised by God.

Abraham knew God's commands, it happen first with his father and family; Abraham walked with God making a Covenant with him; Abraham met with and hosted the angels who visited him upon their journey to destroy Sodam and Gormorrah.

Then there was Issac...Of him, God said, 'Take the lad, prepare him as a sacrifice."

Because of their relationship, and prior commands, Abraham KNEW this was God's command and not the voice of "the" stranger. This was also the same voice that said, 'Look at the stars... you will have as many children [more than there are the grains of sand]. Abraham was used to obedience to 'this' voice. To 'this' voice, He yielded.

When God calls you from a relationship, it is to bless you and not curse you. It is to give you more and not less. It is to give you, His love and His very best.

Instead of taking Abramham's son as the sacrifice, God gave him the ram in the 'thicket' [the bush].

When God separates you from someone [calls you out from among them], He has something more that He wants to do with and for you.

We're not betraying the love of others, we are simply obeying the voice of God. His Destiny calls.

 

[Laela]

wow...What a powerful Biblical breakdown!! With Jesus and the disciples as a fine example. We know some of the disciples had issues.. lol.. yet they were all CHOSEN by Jesus Himself. Lots to digest in your post here....

copy/pasting this... thank you

The disciples where able to see Jesus on his highs, like when there were miraculous healings. They were able to see he's lows in Gesthsemane and of course, the cross. But they paid a great price....because they had to give up everything to walk so closely with God. Our front row seats should also be expensive seats. Not just anybody should be able to be on the front row. The people who will "see you through" the high's and lows of your performance should be there. The one's who will help bear your burdens(Galatians 6:2), the one's love you not only in words but in actions and truth(1 John 3:18), those that will sharpen you (proverbs 27:17; proverbs 13:20), rejoice and morn with with you(romans 12:15), encourage and edify you (1 Thessalonians 5:11), esteem you highly(phillipians 2:3), those that will be transparent with you and pray for you (james 5:16). ETA: The one's who will correct you for your good (proverbs 27:6), defend you (romans 12:19....i know that text was a stretch lol), pull you up if you fall (ecclesiates 4:10).

 

[PinkPebbles]

Shimmie - you have shared a mighty, powerful, yet loving word.

Thank you..... This thread has truly blessed me!

As Christians, we all want to portray the man we've fallen in love with... Jesus, our Lord and Saviour.

We are the 'Handmaidens' of the Lord, and as such we want to embrace everyone who is in our lives; and it becomes 'tear' in one's spirit to even think of ending a friendship, separate from a family member, or to leave those whom we have been familiar with all of our lives.

God said to Abram [Abraham], to come out and away from his family. Not in heated dispute, nor even disrespect; but out of obedience to God's voice.

This was a prelude [preparation] to the major test that God was to bring upon Abram as Abraham.

God's ultimate command to Abraham:

...... Sacrificing Issac ......

His Son...

Abraham knew God's commands, it happen first with his father and family; Abraham walked with God making a Covenant with him; Abraham met with and hosted the angels who visited him upon their journey to destroy Sodam and Gormorrah.

Then there was Issac...Of him, God said, 'Take the lad, prepare him as a sacrifice."

Abraham KNEW this was God's command and not the voice of "the" stranger. This was also the same voice that said, 'Look at the stars... you will have as many children [more than there are the grains of sand].

When God calls you from a relationship, it is to bless you and not curse you. It is to give you more and not less. It is to give you, His love and His very best.

Instead of taking Abramham's son as the sacrifice, God gave him the ram in the 'thicket' [the bush].

When God separates you from someone [calls you out from among them], He has something more that He wants to do with and for you.

We're not betraying the love of others, we are simply obeying the voice of God. His Destiny calls.

 

[Shimmie]

Shimmie - you have shared a mighty, powerful, yet loving word.

Thank you..... This thread has truly blessed me!

The Holy Spirit is preparing us for the 'Fast'. Everyone here is on 'one accord'. This is God. God is here and He is flowing. Each of you are so filled with His word and His presence. I'm so blessed to be among each of you.

Holy Spirit, thou art welcome in this place, in our hearts, in this 'Fast', every area of our lives and our prayers and words uttered. In Jesus' Name, Amen and Amen.


We will not be dismayed, nor distracted or thrown off course by anyone nor anything. We are steadfast; fixed, fully established in the Will of God. Praise Jesus,

 

[sidney]

Thank you. That is exactly what this thread is doing for me, and I see many others as well. Guilt has been the #1 reason I have held onto things way past their expiration date.

____________________________________________________________________________
In general, I feel that we are much more concerned with "niceness" and having everyone feel good all the time than the Lord is. We owe people kindness, patience, our prayers; but we don't owe them personal intimacy. Something was posted by a minister that really struck me. She emphasized that God's love is a covenant love. Everyone is not owed, nor experiences, the benefits of God's covenant--but only those who make a covenant with Him. The Lord is certainly kind to the ungrateful and does good to the whole world. But His everlasting faithfulness, His special spiritual blessings, His power--they are reserved for His holy ones.

In learing from the Lord how to love others, we should also embrace this covenant model. Note that David and Jonathan made a covenant with one another:




Likewise, Ruth pledged herself to Naomi:



And of course with marriage, it is by covenant:



It will be the very rare and special relationship that rises to the level of covenant (and a covenant must be intentionally made). There is room in our lives for all sorts of people and types of relationships. They can be fun and edifying and blessed. But remembering the difference between the charity that we are to have toward everyone and the everlasting nature of covenant love can help us to be able to allow different relationships to ebb and flow within our lives without feeling that every one is supposed to be a permanent fixture therein. We have to know the difference between those to whom we are pledged for life (as well as the purpose of such a pledge) and those with whom we may be journeying for a season.

I think that there is a problem culturally that we refuse to pledge ourselves to one another for life, especially not in non-marital relationships. So I believe that we need to become better covenant-makers and covenant-keepers. But in keeping with this thread's theme, we should also discern the difference between covenantal relationships and non-covenantal relationships so that we aren't compelled to share more of our selves than is truly warranted.

Also, I've been thinking about how Jesus responded to the people around Him, and you know, He just wasn't overly concerned with who accepted Him, rejected Him, betrayed Him. His constant concern was with those whom the Father had given Him. At the end, He prayed to the Father that He didn't lose any of the ones that He had been given, save Judas. The Lord always knew that everyone would not be in fellowship with Him. When He said certain things, He fully expected many to leave. And when people chose to walk away, He did not chase after them or plead with them or show anxiety about their departure. I don't at all think that this means that He was indifferent, only that He knew that only some would be able to follow Him. And He also knew our weaknesses, which led to Him forgiving Peter and restoring Him to ministry when he failed.

That said, I think that it's good to know that, no, everyone is not going to want to walk with us and it is what it is. People may fail us and betray us even, but that will not take away from the Father's purpose on our lives. If we keep our eyes focused on the Lord's purpose for us, and maintain faith that He is presently accomplishing that, then it is easier to let things go (people) when they are not jiving with that purpose.




Glad you did! He has some good stuff on there. I love compiling books articles, sermons and whatnot on these things.

WOW, you really broke it down here! Great post. I agree with everything you have shared here and those types of relationships are rare. A covenant is something that should be kept, so we need to be careful who we form covenants with because God will expect us to uphold those covenants!

 

[sidney]

Just wanted to backtrack a little bit and clarify my previous post as not to cause anyone to stumble. It is good to mix with unbelievers to show the love of God to them and convert them. Jesus modeled this by mixing with sinners to convert them. However, he did not yoke with them in the same way he did with true believers. He actually did the opposite, he moved on if people chose not to believe. Yoking with unbelievers can cause you to stumble in subtle ways. Perhaps they can change the way you view others or perhaps involve you in gossip without you even noticing, but it’s inevitable that we will emulate people around us if we spend enough time with them. I am aware that this may be an unpopular opinion and I don’t want to be responsible for adding or subtracting from scripture so I will just post what the word says on this issue encourage anyone to read it and that each individual can judge for themselves.

2 Corinthians 6:14
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.”