Sharing house with unbelieving friend

[Willing-heart]

I don't know if I am making the right decision by choosing to live with a friend who is not a Christian. The reason I plan to live with him for a while is that I want to be a witness for Christ to him. Should I be worried about being influenced by possibly his ungodly lifestyle? I've been praying about this for a while, and my worry is that I don't want to miss such opportunity. Perhaps, maybe I shouldn't be worrying because truly only God can really change hearts. He is going through hard times and I hope to at least be a blessing to him by being there for him. Please, any biblical advice would be welcomed. Thank you.

 

[Hidden In Him]

Well, so long as you remain ready to maybe find another place to live if he starts influencing you instead, I see no problems with it at all, especially if you are moving in with the expressed intent of wanting to help him get through a rough time. I think that's excellent.

Biblical advice... just don't force your faith on him. With him living with you, you could end up coming off as controlling, and you definitely don't want that. It will drive him away. Just meet him where he is in his faith, and guide him along. The Biblical principle is to become all things to all men, so that you might save some (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). Just try to be a really good listener, make your words count, and pray to the Lord continually for him that the Lord uses you to speak to him what God knows he needs to hear the most.

 

[Willing-heart]

Well, so long as you remain ready to maybe find another place to live if he starts influencing you instead, I see no problems with it at all, especially if you are moving in with the expressed intent of wanting to help him get through a rough time. I think that's excellent.

Biblical advice... just don't force your faith on him. With him living with you, you could end up coming off as controlling, and you definitely don't want that. It will drive him away. Just meet him where he is in his faith, and guide him along. The Biblical principle is to become all things to all men, so that you might save some (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). Just try to be a really good listener, make your words count, and pray to the Lord continually for him that the Lord uses you to speak to him what God knows he needs to hear the most.

Thanks for your sharing your wisdom, much appreciated. It is said that if we want to touch people with the gospel, we have to stand with them in their heartbreaks. People are willing to do anything except for seeking God for help. Here I am Lord, send me!

 

[Sketcher]

The only reason to share a house or apartment with anybody not married to you or related to you is to lower your monthly expenses. The only reason to pick such a person to live with is a reasonable belief that you won't drive each other crazy. Living together has ruined many a friendship. Ruining a friendship is not the way to win someone to Christ. People can be roommates and get along fine, but that's like threading a needle. There's less pressure on the relationship if you don't live under the same roof. You can both live according to your different rules, and their ability or inability to pay their rent and bills is not affecting the friendship nearly as much.

 

[Willing-heart]

The only reason to share a house or apartment with anybody not married to you or related to you is to lower your monthly expenses. The only reason to pick such a person to live with is a reasonable belief that you won't drive each other crazy. Living together has ruined many a friendship. Ruining a friendship is not the way to win someone to Christ. People can be roommates and get along fine, but that's like threading a needle. There's less pressure on the relationship if you don't live under the same roof. You can both live according to your different rules, and their ability or inability to pay their rent and bills is not affecting the friendship nearly as much.

True perhaps, maybe I shouldn't have a hidden agenda and should only be looking to rent with him for the cheap accommodation offer and let God worry about the rest. I am considering other options and I've been asking God in prayer and in quietness (asking God to speak to my heart) and also by reading my Bible. Thank you and God bless.

 

[dreadnought]

I don't know if I am making the right decision by choosing to live with a friend who is not a Christian. The reason I plan to live with him for a while is that I want to be a witness for Christ to him. Should I be worried about being influenced by possibly his ungodly lifestyle? I've been praying about this for a while, and my worry is that I don't want to miss such opportunity. Perhaps, maybe I shouldn't be worrying because truly only God can really change hearts. He is going through hard times and I hope to at least be a blessing to him by being there for him. Please, any biblical advice would be welcomed. Thank you.

You are putting yourself in a dangerous situation. Psalm 50:18 comes to mind.

 

[Willing-heart]

You are putting yourself in a dangerous situation. Psalm 50:18 comes to mind.

Thanks for the verse. The deeper I look and reflect on it, the more it makes sense. May God grant us all wisdom to discern His will for us.

 

[GaveMeJoy]

You are putting yourself in a dangerous situation. Psalm 50:18 comes to mind.

Do you think this applies to friendships with unbelievers and spending time with them too? My best friend is anti God but doesn’t have any other Christian friends... same gender obviously

 

[Willing-heart]

Do you think this applies to friendships with unbelievers and spending time with them too? My best friend is anti God but doesn’t have any other Christian friends... same gender obviously

Our Lord Jesus was a friend of sinners, and so we should follow his example, but we shouldn't compromise on biblical truth, morals and ethics. If you think your friendship is toxic then you are probably better off. Keep praying for God to give you the opportunity to witness to him/her, and pray that God would prepare their heart to receive the LORD.

 

[GaveMeJoy]

Our Lord Jesus was a friend of sinners, and so we should follow his example, but we shouldn't compromise on biblical truth, morals and ethics. If you think your friendship is toxic then you are probably better off. Keep praying for God to give you the opportunity to witness to him/her, and pray that God would prepare their heart to receive the LORD.

Yea it used to be where he could influence me but not anymore, and when I spend time with him and his friends they all know I’m the “Christian” guy
I think the Lord is keeping me in his life for a reason but I must stay vigilant.