We Don’t Have to Break Bread with Everyone.

Christians are often pressured to compromise their beliefs in the name of peace. While it’s true that we are called to love others and spread the gospel, that doesn’t mean we must form close bonds or share our lives with everyone. Scripture gives us wisdom on how to engage with others without falling into sin or compromising our faith.

As Christians, we are called to share the truth of God’s Word and plant seeds of faith, even among those who don’t share our worldview. The Apostle Paul reminds us, “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:6). However, planting seeds does not mean allowing ourselves to be corrupted by the degeneracy of others. It is possible to have a conversation with someone outside our faith without compromising our own walk with God.

Jesus Himself set the example for this. He ate with sinners and tax collectors but did not partake in their sinful lifestyles (Mark 2:15-17). Instead, He stood firm in His teachings, demonstrating that we can share the gospel without becoming entangled in sin. The key is discernment. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:33, “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’”

When engaging with others, it’s vital to stay rooted in Scripture and prayer, ensuring that our faith remains strong. Surround yourself with fellow believers who can hold you accountable, and remember that your purpose is to glorify God, not to gain the approval of others.

Scripture provides numerous warnings about associating too closely with those who reject God’s truth:

2 Corinthians 6:14-15: “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial?” Proverbs 13:20: “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Psalm 1:1: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers.” These verses remind us that while we are to engage the world, we must do so with wisdom and boundaries. Associating too closely with those who live in rebellion against God can lead to spiritual harm.

It’s a hard truth, but not everyone has good intentions toward our faith. Some people actively seek to destroy it or lead us astray. Jesus Himself warned about this: “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16).

While we are called to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44), loving them doesn’t mean enabling them to trample on our faith or disrespect the truth of the gospel. Some people are not interested in genuine dialogue but rather in sowing doubt and confusion. Paul advises us to avoid such people: “But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him” (Titus 3:9-10).

Christians are sometimes accused of being too passive or overly accommodating, but that is not what Scripture teaches. We are called to be humble and loving, but also bold and courageous. Jesus demonstrated righteous anger when He cleansed the temple of money changers (John 2:13-17). Similarly, we must stand firm against those who seek to undermine our faith.

Being a Christian doesn’t mean being a doormat. As Paul writes in Romans 12:18, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” Notice the phrase “if possible.” Sometimes, peace isn’t possible without compromising our faith, and in such cases, we must choose obedience to God over appeasing others.

Breaking bread with others can be a powerful way to share the gospel, but we are not obligated to form close relationships with everyone. Planting seeds of faith requires discernment, prayer, and a firm commitment to God’s Word. Remember, some people are not interested in the truth and may actively work against it. While we are called to love our enemies, we are not called to let them corrupt our faith or silence our witness.

Stand firm in your convictions, guard your heart, and trust God to give the increase. Not everyone is meant to be in your inner circle, and that’s okay. Focus on glorifying God and planting seeds where they will grow.