As followers of Christ, interacting with those outside the faith is inevitable and can be a valuable opportunity for witness. However, Scripture also warns against being yoked with unbelievers, as this can lead to unhealthy influences and compromise (2 Corinthians 6:14, 1 Corinthians 15:33). The Bible teaches that while we should not avoid relationships with non-Christians entirely, we must be mindful of the company we keep and the impact it has on our faith. In 2 John, we are cautioned against even greeting those who do not bring the true doctrine of Christ, highlighting the importance of discernment in our interactions (2 John 1:10-11). By being in the world but not of it, as seen in Matthew 12:30, we can navigate these relationships in a way that honors God.
15 Bible Verses on Being Friends With Non Christians
15 verses
Relevance Score
36%
Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?
If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him. Whoever greets such a person shares in his evil deeds.
I wrote you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people. I was not including the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a verbal abuser, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. What business of mine is it to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”
He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters.
But if you warn the wicked man to turn from his way, and he does not turn from it, he will die in his iniquity, but you will have saved your life.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful, as you pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may declare it clearly, as I should. Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God. Or do you think the Scripture says without reason that the Spirit He caused to dwell in us yearns with envy?
because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.