Charles Spurgeon said this, “The Christian will be sure to make enemies. It will be one of his objects to make none; but if to do the right, and to believe the true, should cause him to lose every earthly friend, he will count it but a small loss, since his great Friend in heaven will be yet more friendly, and reveal Himself to him more graciously than ever.”

Are we willing to lose friends? We should never go out of our way to offend people. We should seek to repair damaged relationships. We should reflect Christ-like love toward all men. But every believer, at times, will have to decide between favor of men and favor of God.

I’ve been a pastor for nearly 40 years. In those years I’ve made some very dear and wonderful friendships.

I’ve also attracted criticism. I’ve made some enemies. Why? Because I’ve preached the Word of God and the Word of God is controversial at times.

Each time I have lost a friend, my heart ached. But I want to choose Christ over anything, anybody.

Perhaps someone has betrayed you over your commitment to Christ. Encourage yourself in the Lord and know that Jesus understands and knows your pain. He lost everything for you and me.