is it right to do something that hurts a friend if in the long run it helps them out and will benefit them?

Answer 1

do you mean hurt feelings or hurt physically? If it is feelings then if the benefit is greater than no benefit, then if you have the guts to do it, then OK. If you need to physically hurt your friend then no, let the chips fall as they will. It just might be the best thing for him or her.

Answer 2

Depends on what it is and how good a judge you are of what will help and what will hurt. Telling a concerned adult that your friend is using drugs or planning to commit suicide? Probably a good idea. Seducing his girlfriend so he won't marry her and have his heart broken by her in twenty years? Probably not a good idea. Stealing all his money to invest on a sure winner at the race track? Probably not a good idea. In all likelihood whatever the action is it will probably result in your losing the friend. If it saves his life you might be willing to make the sacrifice. Why don't you give us more details so we can give you a more informed opinion.

Answer 3

Need more information. This is the type of thing that will depend on the specifics of the example. In some cases the answer will be yes in others the answer will be no and it others it will be boarder line. But in almost all cases, unless the friend is really understanding, expect to lose a friend even though you are trying to do a good deed.

Answer 4

Here's the catch-------------When you do "it" how do you know that "in the long run.........."?
This is similar to Kant's question in "The Critique of Pure Reason" about being witness to a murderer in pursuit of an intended victim.
My feeling is that "hurts", "helps", and "benefits" are such obscure and subjective concepts that we might as well discard them, and approach the question from the other side: "Is it right to do something because it is right, or do we need other motivation,i.e. to help"
Each individual must face that issue alone and come to the answer that makes sense to him.

Answer 5

I think you need to warn a friend of the Pros and Cons of their decision because it is ultimately their decision on what to do with their life. I mean, if you've ever been hurt by anyone in your life; think about whether you want to hurt this person like that. Better yet, think about if you are willing to risk and put your friendship on the line because to "help" them.
If what your friend is trying to do is endangering something that you both find near and dear to your heart or harms her well-being, I think you should do it.
I don't think you should do something to hurt a friend if it'll help them in the long run. If this'll heart your friendship in any way or if the outcome of what their going after helps them, let them go for it.

Answer 6

Yes, but be sure your intentions are for the right reasons. Also, be sure that your friend knows why you are doing what you are doing. It takes courage to do the right thing. Most people choose the road that is less painful. Love means stepping out in faith and doing what is right for the long haul. God Bless!

Answer 7

Even though your intention may be good,if your friend doesn't fully understand the situation, it may cause you to lose the friend. Sometimes people have to realize things for themselves, and you may wind up caught in the crossfire if you meddle. Then you have to think whether you'd prefer to do the right thing, have it possibly not work and lose a friend, or not do anything and keep the friend.

Answer 8

I'm sorry, but I would have to have more details to answer intelligently. Since I don't know your situation, and I certainly don't presume my judgement to be any better than any of my friends' judgement, I don't know whether or not you would be hurting that person in the long run, or helping them, as you say.

Answer 9

Yes. Read The Five People You Meet In Heaven, there is a similar situation. You're being the best friend possible by seeing things they don't see.

Answer 10

Yes.
Parents do it to children; a common example is not allowing them to have certain friends,which is an emotional pain.
coaches do it. practice is just another form of torture IMO. but my high school track team only lost 5 times in my 3yrs of particpating.
Doctors do it. i mean it is painful to give up the fatty, southern style soul food that black folks and southerners love..it tastes soooooooooo good, but i don't want diabetes or heart disease.
therapists do it. some folks would never learn how to walk or eat withou them.

so yes. if you are sure. yes.