Friend of the Devil?
"Bad Company Corrupts Good Character."
It didn't matter how passionately you pleaded with me; the Devil remained my friend. It didn't matter how much evidence you presented; the Devil remained my friend. It didn't matter how many "red flags" were reared; the Devil remained my friend. Only once the snake bit me did I wake to the damage he had done, the toxicity that had infected my blood, thoughts, life and soul, friends, and family. Sin is made in such ways.
Adam & Eve only woke up to the chaos and consequence of his exploit once the crawler had bitten them. Sadly, some brethren will only awaken to the Devil once they are bit; unfortunately, the venomous measurement is sometimes murderous.
Whether sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, we must pray, suffer long, and practice mercy on those who have yet to learn a heavy lesson in their spiritual life due to weaknesses, "blind spots," misplaced loyalties, and immaturities.
A prideful, controlling, and divisive wolf does not sleep with sheep's clothing; pay close attention to those vulnerable moments. Be strong to discern and withdraw from an untoward source. Your humble and scriptural intuition will guide you; Diotrephes is a slanderous ilk and cunning manipulator, a self-righteous hypocrite not to be friended.
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" (1 Pt. 5:8).
The world will do what the world will do; God has judged them already. But for us? We must be mindful of our "Christian" circles, preachers, elders -- leaders. "For what have I to do judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church?" (1 Cor. 5:12).
God is good; He teaches us, and He disciplines us. All to His glory.
Your servant,
SM