When do we know or how can we tell when it is time to let go of someone we love but does not love us back? How about friends who only bring chaos and turmoil to your life; when they no longer serve their purpose?
The moment we notice that nothing in life is permanent except change, that is when we should stop and look at what is hindering us from our walk with God. To become truly obedient to Him, we have to sacrifice a few friendships (and yes, loved ones too) along the way. The phrase, "blood is thicker than water"? Do you even know the whole phrase and what it means? People don't know that it is part of a much longer one: "the blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb". It means the blood that is shed by soldiers on the battlefield makes for stronger bonds than those of the family you happened by chance to be born into.
Christianity is not a walk in the park. You will get into arguments and never-ending debates with people whose beliefs are different from yours everyday and when you allow yourself to live by His Word and be nourished by it rather than just nourishing your physical bodies with food and drink, that is the time you have to decide who stays in your life and who goes.
Where we're going, we don't need friends. All you need with you is Jesus. This is precisely why only a few people can fully walk the path the Lord gives them. I am not saying you should break up with all your pals and chums and live in seclusion to show that you are right with God and that you're devoting your life to Him. What it means is that we should learn to know what it will cost us to take up our cross and follow Jesus.
Do not get offended when people ridicule you for no longer doing the nasty things you did before you surrendered your life to Him and chose to serve Him. Many have been persecuted and stoned to death; some were even hanged and crucified for their unwavering faith and obedience to God's call.
To Catholics, this people are saints. I choose to see them as men and women of action. Faith without works is dead, as it was mentioned in the Bible, but don't let it mislead you into thinking that you need to do good in order to be saved. For we are saved by grace through faith in Him so that none of us may boast.
Start and end your day with a prayer. Choose kindness than hatred and violence. Learn to agree to disagree and never force your beliefs on someone. Respect must beget respect. For us to coexist and live in harmony, we must be humble and remember that everything will pass. Your friends, your earthly family, your life itself will pass as well. Live the life you want to be proud of.
