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As Christians, we hear so many messages about loving others and forgiving and forbearing. While these are wonderful, Christlike commands that we should obey, do they apply to all people, all the time?

I\\u2019m not advocating for malicious, cruel treatment of anyone, but you can run into a problem when you forbear under people who God specifically instructs us to avoid.

\\xa0In fact, there are several types of people that scripture tell us to avoid at all cost.\\xa0

Not transform.

\\xa0Not reform.

\\xa0Not conform to.

\\xa0But stay away from.\\xa0

Let\\u2019s break down the five types of people God wants you to avoid at all costs.

\\xa0Type #1: Bad influences

\\xa0Do not be deceived. \\u201cBad company ruins good morals.\\u201d (1 Corinthians 15:33)

\\xa0God doesn\\u2019t say you can\\u2019t spend time with non-believers. Otherwise, how could you witness to the lost?\\xa0

\\xa0But you must be extra careful to ensure that you are the influencer, not the influence.

\\xa0That guardrail you think you have in place to protect against your friend\\u2019s bigotry or your coworker\\u2019s criticism can easily fall to the point that you can\\u2019t tell the difference between what they think and what you think. \\xa0

\\xa0Remember the famous quote from Dan Pena: \\u201cShow me your friends and I\\u2019ll show you your future.\\u201d\\xa0

Type #2: False teachers

\\xa01 John 4:1 reminds us, \\u201cBeloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.\\u201d

And 2 John 1:10 follows up with, \\u201cIf anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them.\\u201d

\\xa0In today\\u2019s world of tolerance, we often write off demonically inspired behavior as just \\u201cdifferent.\\u201d

\\xa0But scripture is clear when it says that not everyone in this world has good intentions.

Your job is not to reform a wolf into a sheep\\u2014it\\u2019s to simply avoid them.\\xa0

Type #3: Divisive people\\xa0

One of the most damaging sins to the body of Christ are gossipers. Since most people love a piece of juicy gossip, you can become party to this destructive sin with just a little curiosity.

\\xa0Be careful of people who want the 411 so they can better pray. They are really gossipers in disguise.

\\xa0Also beware of:\\xa0

\\xb7\\xa0 \\xa0 \\xa0 people who pretend to be happy for you but are secretly envious

\\xb7\\xa0 \\xa0 \\xa0 people who \\u2018just tell it like it is\\u2019 but are really looking for a good argument

\\xb7\\xa0 \\xa0 \\xa0 people who come across wounded but are so easily offended

\\xa0These people and many more only have one goal in mind, even if they don\\u2019t realize it\\u2014to sow division.\\xa0

\\xa0Titus 3:9-11 is crystal clear when it commands:\\xa0

\\xa0"But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.\\u201d

Type #4: Christians who profess but don\\u2019t confess

This is a pervasive problem in the church today. Christians who attend church but live a worldly life. These people profess to follow God, but don\\u2019t confess their sins before God.

\\xa0With the Holy Spirit in you, you may sin but you won\\u2019t be happy doing it. It will be a battle.

\\xa0If a Christian is continually living a life of unrepentant sin, I question if they are a true Christian at all