Let them go or keep them around

[Crain]

Unevenly Yoked Friends?

 

[DontWorryBeHappy]

I say keep them around. I have some non Christian friends. I don't look down upon them for being non Christian. The only real difference I see between them and myself is that they aren't saved and they lack the discipline that comes from following God. I use every opportunity I can to minister to them in hopes of bringing them to God. I am often amazed at how much more they want to know about him and the Way. Think about it from that perspective.

 

[klewlis]

The only reason I can think of to intentionally separate yourself from a non-Christian friend is if they are causing your own faith to suffer. But that goes for Christian friends too.

I don't believe that God ever wants us to cut ourselves off from the world, and friendship evangelism can be the most effective there is. You can be the face of Christ for them, and that is a wondeful thing.

 

[Xen_Antares]

I say keep them around. I have some non Christian friends. I don't look down upon them for being non Christian. The only real difference I see between them and myself is that they aren't saved and they lack the discipline that comes from following God. I use every opportunity I can to minister to them in hopes of bringing them to God. I am often amazed at how much more they want to know about him and the Way. Think about it from that perspective.

I agree, cutting them off could set back any chance they ever have of getting to know God. It also makes them bitter to God and you. I know I wouldnt want to be friends with someone who thought they were too good. I dont think God would want you to give them that perception.

Now if they want to go to a nudie club or something you have to draw the line, but do not cut them off.

 

[fishstix]

If they are dragging you down in any way, such as causing you to compromise your morals, then you will probably want to spend less time with them. Your closest friends should share your faith and your values so that you can lift each other up. Witnessing to non-Christian friends is a great thing to do - but staying in a situation that causes you to stumble does more harm to your witnessing abilities than good.

 

[Periann]

Having nonChristian friends should just make you more firm in what you believe in, not the other way around. In the Bible Paul tells us not to seperate ourselves from our nonChristian friends, for how else would they have any contact with Christ?

 

[fishstix]

Having nonChristian friends should just make you more firm in what you believe in, not the other way around. In the Bible Paul tells us not to seperate ourselves from our nonChristian friends, for how else would they have any contact with Christ?

1 Corinthians 15:33
Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."

 

[JPPT1974]

I say keep them around. I have some non Christian friends. I don't look down upon them for being non Christian. The only real difference I see between them and myself is that they aren't saved and they lack the discipline that comes from following God. I use every opportunity I can to minister to them in hopes of bringing them to God. I am often amazed at how much more they want to know about him and the Way. Think about it from that perspective.

I do too and feel that you and I are one of a few that don't ignore them and hopefully and eventually they will become Christians and that is sad that they aren't saved and I keep praying for those who aren't will if it is God's will. Hopefully they will have to opportunity to listen to the Good News.

 

[wvmtnkid]

I have non-Christian friends. While they believe in God, they haven't committed their lives to Him. One of them is a very close friend, so close I consider her a sister. I wouldn't dream of cutting off that friendship. Sadly, some of these non-Christian friends have stuck beside me when my Christian friends haven't.

Granted, we don't always see eye to eye on matters, especially ones of faith. But, I feel that I am there to represent Christ to them. I try my best to give them unconditional love. Sometimes they disappoint me. But I am sure that I disappoint my Lord as well. I agree that if my faith should suffer because of them, I need to back away. But, I also think that I have an obligation to them, to help them to see Christ at work in my life.