It’s very sad that there are many people – including many Christians – who become your ‘friend’ because they have an agenda to ‘use’ you, or who are control freaks, and they want to control and manipulate you. Sometimes it can take years to realise this: but God has given us the gift of discernment, which, if we ask him for it to be active in our lives, can save us a lot of pain and hurt.
Some time back, I asked God to bring to my mind people that – knowingly or unknowingly – I’d ‘used’ – and people I know who had been friends, who had used me – and chose to forgive and ask for forgiveness. It really is liberating to do that, and makes you more aware of such people in the future.
Some time back, I’d have said I had ‘hundreds’ of close friends. That number is significantly reduced now.I’ve had pastors say that I’m their ‘best friend’ and who’ve shafted me in many ways, including theft. I’ve been accountable to people as ‘very close friends’ that ended up with a strong desire on their part to control…. Control (domination) is witchcraft if my reading of Scripture is right!!
It is so sad to read the words you have written and I come into agreement that you are blessed with a high level of discernment.
I pray that 2018 God’s angels will surround you and protect you from the North/south/East/West above and below. In the name above all names our JESUS.
Bless you, Chris, thank you for your words of encouragement and your prayer. I claim that protection you’ve mentioned! It’s often needed, sadly….