In Matthew 5, Jesus tells us (para) that if our eye or hand causes us to sin, it would be better to cut it off than to condemn the entire body to Hell. (Dang.)
Can you imagine how painful ... to intentionally sever yourself, to * cut off* what is causing our bodies sickness (and our God grief) for our eventual spiritual good?
I can.
It is painful. The illustration He uses is meant to convey the self-sacrifice & pain it requires to follow Him, and to resist sin (specifically surrounding adultery in this passage).
It has taken me a long time to finally 'get' that some friendships are simply not profitable.
If they don't lead you back to Jesus, and if the entirety of the situation is not bringing God the honor and glory He's due ... it is not profitable. Even if they are *godly* - it is not profitable.
So what choice is there? I don't think God ever desires severed relationship... but He also requires holiness.
Whatever it is that is causing our feet to stumble, our minds to slip, our eyes or hearts to sin - must be cut away.
Cut it off.
Then, heal.
Forgive.
We must choose to continue down Lit paths, in persistent brotherly Love (though perhaps a little more guarded, & with notable, marked distance).