Showing Kindness Even If Relationships Become One-Sided

Dear readers, today I want to talk about: Friendship

Friendships are one of God’s sweetest gifts. He created us for fellowship—for connection, encouragement, and love. 

But sometimes, friendships don’t turn out the way we hoped. Some relationships begin to feel heavy, especially when they become one-sided.

It can be wearying to always be the one reaching out, checking in, and carrying the weight of the relationship, while the other person hardly makes an effort. That kind of imbalance can leave us hurt and drained. God never intended friendships to feel like a burden. They are meant to be a source of mutual joy and strength.

When that balance is lost, it can be painful. It hurts when a close friendship fades or changes.  Sometimes friendships are only meant for a season, and letting go is part of His plan.

In those moments, our first instinct may be to close the door completely. But even in our hurt, God calls us to love. Jesus said, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you… and pray for them which despitefully use you” (Matthew 5:44). If we’re asked to love even those who stand against us, how much more should we show grace toward friends who may have drifted away?

Showing kindness doesn’t mean forcing closeness. It simply means keeping our hearts soft—choosing forgiveness instead of bitterness, and compassion instead of resentment. That small act of love may be the very glimpse of Christ someone needs to see.

It’s okay to guard our hearts. It’s okay to step back from unhealthy dynamics. But as we do, we can still pray for those friends, encourage them when our paths cross, and leave the door of kindness open. God can use even those quiet gestures in ways we don’t see.

At the same time, we are called to pursue life-giving friendships that draw us closer to Him: “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend” (Proverbs 27:17). These are the friendships that strengthen our faith and bring joy to our hearts.

And here is the hope we hold onto: when God allows one friendship to fade, He also prepares new ones. 

If you feel weary from one-sided relationships or saddened by closed doors, rest assured—God is still at work. Trust Him. Let go where you need to. And look ahead with hope, knowing He is preparing deeper, Christ-centered friendships and new opportunities to bless your life.

A Poem on Friendship

Friendship is a gift from above,
A treasure wrapped in grace and love.
God made our hearts for fellowship sweet,
For laughter, for comfort, for souls to meet.

But not every bond will stay the same,
Some fade like embers, lose their flame.
When love feels heavy, one-sided, untrue,
The heart grows weary, the spirit bruised.

God never meant for friends to drain,
But to lift each other through joy and pain.
Like bridges meeting in the middle,
Strong on both sides, not one left brittle.

And when the balance slips away,
It hurts to see close ties decay.
Yet seasons change by Heaven’s hand,
Each chapter part of God’s great plan.

In hurt, we’re tempted to close the door,
To guard our hearts and love no more.
But Christ has shown a better way—
To bless, forgive, and gently pray.

For kindness doesn’t force the near,
It softens hearts and makes love clear.
A prayer, a smile, a gentle word,
May be the gospel someone has heard.

So guard your heart, but keep it kind,
Let bitterness not cloud your mind.
Step back with wisdom, yet don’t despise,
For God sees deeper than our eyes.

Seek friends who sharpen, who lift you higher,
Who stir your faith and fan the fire.
“Iron sharpeneth iron,” says the Word,
A bond that reflects the voice of the Lord.

And here’s the hope when friendships part:
God’s still at work within your heart.
For every door that He may close,
A brighter path ahead He shows.

So trust His hand, release the past,
The sweetest friendships are those that last.
Christ-centered, strong, and heaven-blessed,
In His great love, your soul finds rest.