Do not associate with evil doers

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If you have children, would hang out with the child molester in the half way house? Would you open your house to known thieves? It is about discerning. You rather be safe than sorry.
 
I do not associate with people who could harm my family thank you very much.
 
Perfect response. Stay away from those who can or will harm you. Some people cannot help you grow.
 
Some people cannot associate to closely with certain types of people because it would lead them to sin. It is their weakness. Or temptation. Some people can easily mingle with anyone without falling into a particular sin. We’re just human, it would be foolish to believe other people’s nasty behavior will not run up off us. I’m sure there are those who honestly can but from my observation it is the minority
 
Well would you associate with your neighbors if they happened to be gay?
 
Of course. I have lgbtq friends. I’m thinking of an alcoholic going back to hang out with old drinking buddies. Or someone who struggles with their temper hanging out with someone who continuously tests their patience. Or someone who wants to remain monogamous hanging with someone they are strongly attracted to that is not their spouse. You’re inviting temptation.
When I think of evil doers I think of criminals or people who are incredibly cruel, ruthless, etc.
Some people cannot hang out with prostitutes without falling into sin.
It is unfortunate not all of us can mingle freely with others.
 
We are all sinners so it is ridiculous to say we should not associate with other sinners.
Jesus associated with sinners all the time.
 
This isn’t really a circumstance of reputation. This is a threat of virtue. If someone hangs out with the wrong crowd, they can easily be influenced by them. It’s foolish to say a person isn’t influenced by who they hang out with. If the person was a saint, strong in virtue and unrelenting against the tides of sin, sure, but whats the point? It is much smarter not to put yourself near temptation.

I’m also talking about public sinners, where we know what they are doing is wrong. It is best to try to correct them or inform them of what they’re doing. But if they refuse to change, it’s no good to stick around. You could be putting your soul in danger.

An approved apparition of a soul from purgatory has said this, “Without offending anyone, avoid the company of those who are too unreserved and those who are uncharitable.” Clearly, this soul knows that we must unite with Jesus, and it can cause a stumbling block if we are around people who do not have the same cause as us.
 
I worked in HVAC and everyone was a liar and embezzler but they went to church on Sunday
 
I think of it like associating with people who constantly use foul language. Even if you aren’t a prude, there are only so many f bombs a person can hear. It is human nature to pick up on the bad habits of other’s. That’s peer pressure. I don’t know if everyone is immune to it.
I heard there is such thing as scandal
 
Saint Paul said
Bad behavior corrupts good character

It does wear you down
 
If you hang around a barber shop long enough, your going to get a haircut. If you sit down with the biggest gossip, in short order, you will be gossiping.

You don’t have to be mean, but just avoid such folk. We tend to blend in with people we hang around.
 
What confuses you? Mortal sins are sins that have dire effects on the soul, that can lead a soul to Hell. Gossip can be a mortal sin.

Perhaps if a friend wants to talk often about the newest trends, the new things they bought, or a desire to go shopping together, that wouldn’t probably be the best for someone. Often people don’t think this would be bad, but I know from experience that it definitely can be. Materialism has a way of putting objects before God and making us “of” the world. Having a friend like this can enchant us into the world of buying.

Partying friends, I know also from experience, make us believe that the world is a party and fun is what life is about. This is also another way of leading us away from God, even if it is unintentionally, it is easy to forget God this way. Drinking to the point of not being able to reason as usual is also a serious sin.

Oversexual friends can lead someone into promiscuity. I have had a friend who would often make sexual jokes in pretty much any situation, bring their sexual lives into conversation often, and ask my advice on sexual issues that go against my views. I am a very non confrontational person so it is hard for me to correct someone. I was very young when I met this person and didn’t register that while I remain silent to their situation, I am also inspiring them to commit more sin. My silence and their suffocating sexual talk softened my views and somehow I found myself practically giving them advice that went against my religious views.

There are other examples I can give you if you’d like. These are just some I came up with that I know from experience caused harm for me.
 
Jamie5 said:
Well I love hanging out with my neighbors and married friends, who just happen to be gay. They are not evil doers but rather the nicest people I have met.
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Actually, if they are engaging in homosexual acts…they are evil doers. Sodomy is one of the four sins which cries out to heaven for revenge. Some how, if you haven’t already, you must let them know that they are in danger of eternal damnation if they persist in their sin. It is an act of charity to tell them; it is an act of cowardice to not tell them.
 
If someone desires to be perfect as commanded by Jesus. That is, to love your neighbor as He did - S. John of the Cross gave the counsel to love everyone equally. How can that be done? With silence.

“associate with the lowly” (Rom 12:16) these associates will do everything not to offend your faith. They are grateful that you gave them recognition when others pass them by like city traffic in their mind. This is the true Christian life. To smell like the sheep. The humble, only the humble who appreciate a quiet presence. For Jesus said, “every idle word that men shall speak, they shall render an account for it in the day of judgment.” (Mt 12:36) Pope Gregory the Great says this means speak only necessary and pious words. The Pope is cited in this regard by the Angelic Doctor in his commentary on the Gospel of Matthew.

Now, St. Francis de Sale wrote on friendship and said that only true friends are those that speak pious things. “But according to him that hath called you, who is holy, be you also in all manner of conversation holy” (1 Pet 1:15)

Yes, we are all sinners, but it is our duty to be responsible for our own recklessness and avoid occasions of sin. God will humble the one who follows this way - the soul will see sinners at sin as Jesus in a distressing disguise. But the soul will know how to avoid falling into the trap. For it is well aware, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Pet 5:8)
 
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