When the Road Narrows: Letting Go of Old Friendships to Follow Christ

There’s a quiet kind of grief that comes with walking closely with Christ. The grief of letting go. Not just of old habits or worldly comforts, but of people. People you’ve loved. People you’ve shared life with. People who once felt like family.

One of the most painful parts of my journey has been surrendering friendships that no longer reflect the direction God is leading me. These aren’t easy choices. They aren’t made in judgment or anger. They come with prayer, with tears, and with deep soul-searching.

There was a friend I had for many years. We went through so much life together. For a long time, we could overlook our differences, but things started to shift. We led different lifestyles. I am a mother, she is not. We differed in political views as well, and although we always had, at one point it became an issue for her. She chose to walk away from our friendship. I didn’t chase her, I let her go, trusting God to work in both of us.

A couple of years later, she reached out again. At first, I was hopeful. Maybe time had softened things. Maybe we could rebuild. But I quickly realized that something had changed, and not in a small way.

She was now involved in witchcraft. Not just casually. She was a part of a coven and had attended witchcraft retreats. She openly embraced spells, rituals, and the kind of spiritual practices Scripture warns us against. This wasn’t just about political differences anymore. This was spiritual warfare. This was darkness dressed up as light.

I wrestled with it. Could I stay close and be a witness? Could I somehow keep the friendship alive without compromising what I knew was true?

The answer came in the quiet conviction of the Holy Spirit.

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers; for what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?
– 2 Corinthians 6:14

I had to make the hard call. Not because I didn’t love her. Not because I didn’t want to see her come to know the truth. But because I couldn’t walk in both directions. Following Jesus means choosing Him, even when it costs you relationships you once held dear.

I still pray for her. I still hope she finds freedom in Christ. But I know I cannot walk closely with someone who is walking in open rebellion against God. The Word is clear. Witchcraft is not harmless. It is not “just another path.” It is deception. And I couldn’t pretend otherwise just to preserve comfort or history.

If you’ve had to let go of someone because of your faith, I want you to know you’re not alone. The road with Christ is narrow, and not everyone will walk it with you. But He is worth every loss. Every sacrifice. Every goodbye.

Heart Check:

Have you ever had to end a relationship out of obedience to God? What gave you peace in the process?

Scripture to meditate on:

• He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. – Proverbs 13:20
• But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. – Galatians 5:16
• Do not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out to be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God. – Leviticus 19:31

With love,
Karen