Trying to help a friend

[Triscuit]

I've got a friend who is a nonbeliever and makes fun of Jesus and Christianity daily. He's been raised in a non-christian and bad home, full of drugs and sex (he's got an older sister who is involved with this stuff). I was just wondering if anyone has ever encountered a trouble like this and how I can help him. Younglife seemed like it would be a great idea but he doesn't want to go.

 

[Trusting Him]

Hi Triscuit,

The most important thing to do is to pray for your friend. Ask God to soften his heart, open his eyes to the truth, and draw your friend to Himself:

No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6:44)
​

Another very important thing you can do is to let your life be a witness. Live in obedience to Christ so that your friend can see that there's a difference - and that your life "works" better. Let him see your love (not romantic love, but Christ's love). (See John 13:35) Actions are always "louder" than words.

When he makes statements ridiculing Jesus and Christianity, here are some questions you may want to use in response. Be sure to speak them with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). If you don't feel like you can do that, pray and ask God to give you the right attitude before speaking to him.

1) "What do you mean by _____________?"
Example: Evolution. Some people mean the changes WITHIN a species, while others are talking about one kind of animal changing into another kind. This question makes sure that you're on the same page. It's amazing how people can argue for a LONG time and then finally realize that they really don't have any serious differences - only a difference in how they are defining words!

2) "What difference does it make?" or "Why is that important to you?"
(Ask in a polite tone - not flippantly.)
This brings the conversation back to things that are important. (Example: Does it really matter - to the topic at hand - whether Judas hanged himself or through himself over a cliff?) Perhaps it IS important, but the answer to the question defines WHY it is important.

3) "What evidence would you accept?"
Example: We can present TONS of archaeological evidence for the Bible, but if the person really wants to know about is "How can God allow ______?" we'll be wasting our time. This puts the ball in their court. (Of course you can say, "I don't have the answer for that right now, but I'll try to find it.")

4) "How do you know that what you're saying is true?"
Ask THEM to provide evidence to back up their statements. Many people are just going off what they've heard and don't have any real basis for their beliefs, or any understanding of Christianity, either.

May the Lord bless your efforts to bring your friend to Him.

Teresa

 

[desi]

Praying for God to change his heart and avoiding him for awhile when he desparages Christ is probably your best bet.

 

[Triscuit]

Thanks guys. I'll have to try those things.

 

[TheMainException]

As "trustinghim" said, PRAYER. It works. I've tried it. But just continue to witness to your friend by your actions. Show your friend love and never let him go.