There are More than Two Options to Every Question

When someone is asking you to do something for them and they present only two options for you, watch out for a trick, choose the third option they didn't tell you about, that is "no, I will not do that."

Offer no explanations or apologies, simply say "no" and walk away.

We are not called to do what everyone else wants us to do. We can always pray and think things through to be sure about our choices.

I am astonished at how many people give into others simply because someone asked them even though they feel bad that they agreed.

When we agree to do something we are asked to do, it ought to be because God told us to, that will leave us at peace about the final answer to the request.

If someone rages because of our "no", they have given us a clue about their intent and need for control over us.

There will also be those who use our friendship as a way of pressuring us to do what they want. "If you are my friend you should....thus and such." This is not a friend we want to keep in our lives.

Friendships are based on mutual standards and ideals in life as well as give and take. Not because we are expected to repay. We give and take because we love one another. We never expect anything, however a real friendship will be reciprocal just because those who love each other love to be there for their friend.

Amos 3 "Can two walk together, except they are agreed?"

The answer according to God's Word is, no, two cannot be friends when they do not agree. Our basic response to life must be in agreement with those who are our friends. If you find yourself disagreeing often, even disputing over important matters too often, then it is time to exit the relationship.

This does not mean that friends never disagree. It just mean that we disagree respectfully without ill feelings, dismissiveness or angst.

Friends care deeply about one another, they have no desire to dominate or punish for disagreement.

Proverbs 18:24 "24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother."