If you are not allowed to hang out with a friend that isn't to close to god..?

Question

How do you bring a friend closer to God?

Answer 1

if your parents arent letting you socialize with non-religious ppl.... what kind of christians are THEY? jesus taught us to love all as we wish to be loved, to love our enemies, and to turn the other cheek in cases of insult/assault. he also openly welcomed everyone, including women, who at the time didnt have the same rights as men, and even a prostitute. also, he taught that judging others is for god only. "let him without sin cast the first stone"....

so, they're just flat out hypocrites. this is the problem with most religious ppl. its also why i dont care about church, or the specific rules of the bible. what good are rituals and sacraments when you forget to be a good person on a day to day basis?

Answer 2

It's not a matter of hanging out with friends who are not close to God, it's a matter of who is influencing whom. This is a real issue in my family with a 17 year old. We are constantly having to curb the amount of time spent with certain friends as they do not bring out the better attributes of our son. We don't do it behind Clinton's back either, the other young man, we tell him exactly why he is being limited to the time he spends in our home. He says when he comes back he likes our honesty. He hasn't chosen to become a Christian and even makes fun of my son, but I believe part of why he calls us in the middle of the night when he's in trouble with the law, etc., is he knows we'll be there for him, no questions asked, no judgments made. He has to listen to us pray for him and about the situation, but other than that he knows we're safe and protective. That's what we feel being truthful to him and protective of our son's time spent with him and where has taught him over the last four years. We can't bring him closer to God, all we can do is continue to plant the seeds, but I can sure believe that someday God will bring him closer to himself, and when he does, I dare say Clinton will recall all the lessons of life that he learned in this house.

Answer 3

First of all disregard the whole your parents thing, the whole concept of don't hang around friends that aren't close to God is because of the influence that comes with those friends, however that doesn't mean that you have to shun those friends that aren't christians, like everyone before me, don't try to impose your beliefs on your friend, share your beliefs with your friend, invite him or her to youth service, or sunday worship, and include him or her in your christian activities, also don't let yourself be influenced by the things that are not of God, and by doing this you make yourself an example of a true christian, pray, the Lord hears all, and you will see that God will begin to work on your friend and one day your friend may become a God fearing christian like you. Just realize that in the end it will be your friends choice not yours to recieve God in his heart.

Answer 4

Okay, So youwant to hang out with someone so you can convert themtoyour faith?

What a lousy reason for being friends with someone? Oh let me guess ! You pity the poor guy, and are afraid e will feel alone in hell! I pity the poor guy, if he chooses friends like you.

And what makes you think you are authorised to do so? Are you another christ or Mohammed sent down from heavens to convert those that the other prophets missed, your holyship?

10 to 1 you are Christian/ Catholic. Noone else has such a fetish for making people find religion.

Answer 5

Has your friend ever asked you to help him/her become closer to God? You can't force God on anyone. That only pushes people farther away.

Living your life respectfully and in a Christian manner should be enough of an example for your friend if s/he wants to learn more about God.

Answer 6

You have to be balanced when it comes to those things. There is no black and white answer for that one. There is one absolute though. Don't under any circumstances let that person drag you down spiritually. What do I mean by that? I mean that if that person or friend will cuss in front of you and does not care how he/she says it and they never or rarely take interest when you try to talk to them about spiritual things, then they will do anything they can to take your testimony away from you by any means. I am not kidding about this. I know from experience. All you need to do is talk to the Lord and constantly speak to Him for guidance about this because He knows what is the best decision to make. Listen to the leadership of Him and observe how he/she acts around you and if you suspect that they may be trying to lower your standards or convictions then you must speak up and try to get things right. If they refuse to listen and continue to treat you and Christ like that then for the meantime break off the relationship. If that person wants to get right then continue to minister to them. I could go on and on and say this and that but it's you who must figure this one out lol. Take care mate!! And trust Jesus!!!

Answer 7

You can always pray for them. God draws people to Him so you can talk about Him or write letters to that person, but if they are not ready, then all you can do is set an example. Perhaps in time, they will appreciate God and want to draw closer to Him.

Answer 8

Unfortuantely it sounds like you are under 18, which means no matter what you have to listen to your parents and go to church like a good child.

I believe you should worry more about the close mindedness of your parents than your friends soul and your selfish want to indoctrinate your friend just so you can hang out with them. Get a larger world perspective then get back to me.

Answer 9

All you can really do is pray for your friend. Just remember, if you make friends with those who exercise good judgement and common sense, you will learn to do the same. But if you choose friends that lack good judgement-you will learn their ways instead. In the end,you will be defeated and ruined.
Friends are one of God's greatest blessings in this life. They are meant to be enjoyed and treasured. However, you must choose your friends with care!
"He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the campanion of fools will be destroyed." Proverbs 13:20
The right friends make all the difference! Good luck with your situation, God bless.

Answer 10

If you are Christian...and walking in Jesus' footsteps...this non-Christian friend must see Jesus ' light in you. Jesus says "whatever you do for the least of these ,you do for me also"...that can cover a lot of area. Pray for your friends heart,mind ans soul to feel the need to have Jesus in his heart too. Invite him to church and to the church programs...like V.B.S.
The invitation to accept Jesus is there. Let your friend know you will not leave his side for a minute. Introduce him to everybody. A new Christian just doesn't happen...Share with your parents that you have lifted your friend up to God in prayer...and that you are working with him...and plan on taking him to church and the many different functions. Remember always ...that what you do for others or to....you do to and for Jesus. Remind your parents...that Jesus would never let the lost stay lost.

Answer 11

It's perfectly alright to hang out with friends who aren't close to God, or even with those who don't believe in Him at all. You're just forbidden to marry someone who isn't close to Him. That's what it says in the Scriptures.