How can we overcome worry about friends who wish us harm?
By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10
In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, the worry regarding "bad friends" or those who seek to do you harm is addressed through both spiritual warfare and the firm belief in God’s protective hand. Our Church teaches that while we must be "wise as serpents," we must also remain "harmless as doves," trusting that no weapon formed against a child of God shall prosper without His permission.
The Coptic perspective on this specific worry is broken down as follows:
1. God as our "Shield" and "Helper"
The Coptic Liturgy and the Agpeya are filled with prayers for protection against the "envy of the adversary" and the "plots of evil men." We believe that God is Pivoithos*—The Helper.
In Psalm 53 (54), we pray: "Behold, God is my helper; and the Lord is the upholder of my soul. He shall return the evils to my enemies; consume them by Your truth." The worry is dismissed by shifting the focus from the power of the "bad friend" to the supreme power of God.
2. Identifying False Friendship and Avarice
The Church warns against surrounding oneself with those who prioritize worldly gain or malice. In historical documents regarding life under leaders like Diocletian, the Church cautioned the faithful: "God forbid that you should sell to any the entry of the palace... Put away from you avarice... Unworthy gain and duplicity are very unbefitting to him who embraces the Christ" (as referenced from earlier teachings).
If a "friend" exhibits duplicity or seeks your harm, the Coptic Church teaches:
- Discernment: You are not obligated to remain in a close relationship that endangers your soul or safety.
- Integrity: Do not retaliate. "Let there be no evil speaking nor immodest language among you. Let all things be done in kindliness, courtesy and justice."
3. The Power of the "Prayer of Thanksgiving"
In the Coptic Church, we begin every prayer with the Prayer of Thanksgiving. In it, we thank God because He has "helped us, guarded us, accepted us unto Him, spared us, supported us, and brought us to this hour." Even when facing enemies or "bad friends," we thank God for His protection, which silences the spirit of worry.
We specifically ask Him to: "Cast away from us... all envy, all temptation, all the work of Satan, and the counsel of wicked men." By praying this, we acknowledge that the harm others wish upon us is ultimately a spiritual battle, and we hand the "counsel of wicked men" over to God to dismantle.
4. Patristic Advice on Enemies
The Desert Fathers taught that if someone seeks to harm you, they are suffering from a sickness of the soul.
- St. Anthony the Great taught that we should worry more about our own reactions than the actions of others.
- The Principle of Maat (Truth/Justice): Even reflected in ancient Egyptian wisdom that influenced the Coptic environment, "falsehood may win riches but is of short advantage, whereas Metmei*—Truth/Justice belongs to eternity." (Source 1).
5. Practical Steps to Overcome This Worry
If you are worried about those who wish you harm:
- Pray for them: This is the commandment of Christ. It heals your heart of fear and places the person in God’s hands.
- The Psalm of Protection (Psalm 90/91): "He shall deliver you from the snare of the hunter... you shall not be afraid of the terror by night." Reciting this daily is the Coptic remedy for the fear of human plots.
- Consult a Father of Confession: Seek guidance on whether to distance yourself from these individuals, as the Church values "wise companionship."
In summary, the Coptic Church teaches that while people may intend harm, God is the governor of all things. If God is for us, who can be against us? The worry of "bad friends" is replaced by the peace of knowing that your life is hidden in Christ.