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A question for those of you with friends who are non-Christian

LovesOfMyLife

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Hi! My dh's best friend is a professed athiest. I would like to know suggestions for how to reach out to him. He really likes being around us and our 10.5 month old son, but I never know what to say. We try to live our lives by example in the hopes that he will realize that not all Christians are like his parents. He got a bad taste in his mouth from his parents when he was growing up.

Any suggestions?
 

inHisgrip

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My best friend is not a believer. I try not to push because it seems to freak her out, however, whenever the subject comes up I am open about my faith. I also reach out by taking her kids to church with us(she won't go, but lets her kids).
The best suggestion I can give is to simply love him where he is. Let God shine through you.
All my best.
In Him
 
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MERCY@GRACE

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Hi there. I say make no changes when you both are around him. If you pray over your meals when together, continue to do so. If he asks you advice about something,tell him what you would do as a believer while still respecting that he is an atheist. Continue to be an open bible before him,and pray for the blinders to be lifted daily. Alot of atheist don't like to admit this, but they admire someone who is SOLID in their faith. They can sense a true genuine christian a mile away!

~In him
 
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Genes!s

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MERCY@GRACE said:
Hi there. I say make no changes when you both are around him. If you pray over your meals when together, continue to do so. If he asks you advice about something,tell him what you would do as a believer while still respecting that he is an atheist. Continue to be an open bible before him,and pray for the blinders to be lifted daily. Alot of atheist don't like to admit this, but they admire someone who is SOLID in their faith. They can sense a true genuine christian a mile away!

~In him
I agree wholeheartedly! Continue living normal and don't walk on eggshells for him but don't shove it in his face either. Eventually he may begin asking questions regarding your faith, you may have the opportunity to plant the seed into his heart. Then give it to God. :prayer:
 
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LynnMcG

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I agree with everyone. Just be yourselves, living a life of example is really the best way to handle this. If the Lord wants you to do more, you'll know it.

However, if the relationship between your husband and his friend gets in the way of your walk or causes problems, you may need to limit contact with him. I believe that as Christians we cannot, nor should we ever, cut ourselves off completely from non-believers but sometimes these relationships can affect us adversely if we're not careful. This has been the case in my own life.

My three closest friends from high school are extremely liberal, we'll say non-church goers (because I think they believe in God). They think my views and beliefs are silly and believe that this is a lack of intellect on my part. Sometimes I can deal with these issues, sometimes it's just too hurtful. For example, one had a miscarriage and was most concerned about losing pay at work from being out sick. For me, I had to hang up the phone because I was crying at the loss of her child. I've found recently, that I've had to limit my contact with them because they're not respectful of my views and I find it hurtful and damaging to my own walk.

On the other hand, I also have three college friends who are pretty liberal, non-church goers who are VERY respectful of my views. I have no problem whatsoever in my relationship with this group of friends as far as my own walk is concerned and can talk with them daily, often witnessing through my own experiences without even realizing it.

Hopefully, you'll find in your own experience since the seeds of faith were already planted in your husband's friend as a child, that your positive influence will help him to grow again and turn toward the Lord.
 
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LovesOfMyLife

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LYNN!! You quoted the greatest song EVER. That song "Who Am I" by Casting Crowns gets me every time. My Praise team at Church that dh and I are on sing that song and I LOVE IT SO MUCH

:)

Thanks for the responses, everyone!:wave:
 
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LynnMcG

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Daniels Mommy said:
LYNN!! You quoted the greatest song EVER. That song "Who Am I" by Casting Crowns gets me every time. My Praise team at Church that dh and I are on sing that song and I LOVE IT SO MUCH

:)

Thanks for the responses, everyone!:wave:

Thank you! Me too. That song is very humbling. And what a cool worship team you have to do that song at your church!!! :thumbsup:
 
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Papist

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It's good to bond around areas of agreement -- if you have their respect on issues that are important to them, they are more likely to respect your faith.

With our Buddhist friends, we agree on 'attachment parenting' and some political issues. They have strong anti-Christian views, which does affect our friendship, but we keep on keeping on with the friendship. Interestingly, one of them went to Myanmar recently. This is a Buddhist country which persecutes Christians. He returned saying that he realised he knew nothing about Buddhism ... there may be a way in there at some point. However, it is so important to keep with God's timing and not rush in like a bull in a china shop.
 
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Andry

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Guys, we're suppose to have non-believer friends. How are we suppose to reach out and impact our world if we only had Christian friends? All our Christian friends (and us too, obviously) were at one time non-believers. Who do you think brought them to the Lord?

Let's not forget that Jesus not only touched the lives of publicans, tax collectors and other 'sinners', he embraced them. He became their friends.

I find many Christian are afraid that if we hang out or make friends with non-believers that we somehow get 'mad-sinners-disease' or something silly. But if we have the kingdom of heaven inside of us, then that is suppose to impact and affect our surroundings, our circumstances, our families, and our friends...yes, our non-believing friends too.

But too often we try to preach at them. Sometimes we need to just keep our mouths shut, and live a life that honours Jesus....and I'm certain our non-believer friends will be impacted by that. And I'm certain the Holy Spirit will prompt them to ask the questions or bring them to a place in their lives where we are there to answer or to lead them to the Lord. It may be in the next few days, or it may take years. But that's ok, as we're all on our journeys.

Blessings. :wave:
 
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C

Cello

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Daniels Mommy said:
Hi! My dh's best friend is a professed athiest. I would like to know suggestions for how to reach out to him. He really likes being around us and our 10.5 month old son, but I never know what to say. We try to live our lives by example in the hopes that he will realize that not all Christians are like his parents. He got a bad taste in his mouth from his parents when he was growing up.

Any suggestions?

People want to be loved, they want to be 'befriended' and cared for....for the most part ;-0

Only other suggestion, is don't preach or say "thus sayeth the Lord" but rather share what you believe and why in the course of natural conversation by saying 'we believe......' or ' i believe....' and share what Gods doing in your life, what He's teaching you. BE a friend.
 
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