Christians only?

Question

I know we are supposed to stay away from false religions and not fall away ect but is it wrong to befriend a bisexual pagan? She is nice and doesn't practice witchcraft but she's a openly bisexual pagan. I know some of the non-religous things she does are bad like lets her friends smoke pot, if I can't be her friend then what can I do? How do I convert her, she's got a good heart she is just confused and misunderstanding, also she says she has nothing wrong with Christianity? But she's had bad expieriences with some churches and Christians that have turned her away more. I also don't want to insult her or tell her she's wrong that is mean and will only turn her off more.

Answer 1

I believe you can be her friend, but use wisdom. Pray for God to put a hedge of protection around you so that she cannot influence you in any bad ways. Ask God's wisdom for the things to say to her, and when to say them. Above all, pray for the Holy Spirit to speak to her heart.

Answer 2

Be her friend. It is not wrong to be her friend. Don't forget, Jesus hung out with the tax collectors and prostitutes! Don't openly try to convert her, that is a bad idea. The only thing you can do is love her. The best way to do this is to listen to her. Always be interested in her and care for her. Answer her questions logically, not attackingly. Prove that you love people, this is what God is calling you to do. But don't forget to give all the glory to God, don't take credit for it because "every good and perfect gift is from above".

Much love.

Answer 3

Christians have to constantly face temptations and the attacks of the world around us. Everything we see, read, do, put in our bodies, etc. affects us somehow. That's why to maintain a close relationship with God, we have to put aside our old ways of doing things; the things we watch on TV, old bad habits (excessive drinking, smoking, etc.), the activities we participate in, and the people we spend our time with. People are divided really only two ways; belonging to the world (Satan), or belonging to God (Acts 26:18).

The book of Proverbs has a few wise verses on believers befriending non-believers: "The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray" (v12:26). We should stay away from foolish people (vs. 13:20, 14:7) and people who lose their temper easily (22:24), and keep away from the rebellious (24:21). All these things represent those who have not been saved. "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness" (2 Corinthians 6:14)? 1 Corinthians 15:33 tells us that bad company corrupts good character. Unbelievers are slaves to sin (John 8:34), and Christians are slaves to God (1 Corinthians 7:22). If we become deeply involved (either by friendship or a romantic relationship) as Christians with non-Christians, we are setting ourselves up for turmoil. It can (and does often) cause the Christian to stumble in their walk, fall back into a sinful life, and also turn others away from God (by misrepresenting God and Christianity).

Although these close relationships are not recommended, it does not mean we turn our noses up and ignore unbelievers either. 2 Timothy 2:24-26 tells us that as servants of the Lord, we are to be kind to and not quarrel with anyone. We should gently teach those who oppose the truth, and be patient with difficult people. Matthew 5:16 tells us “...let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly father.” We should serve unbelievers so that they may see God through us and turn to Him in praise. James 5:16 says that there is great power in the prayer of a righteous person, so bring your concerns for unbelievers before God and He will listen.

Many people have been saved because of the prayers and service of Christians, so don't turn your back on unbelievers. Having any kind of intimate relationship with an unbeliever can quickly and easily turn into something that is a hindrance to your walk with Christ. We are called to evangelize the lost, not be intimate with them. There is nothing wrong with building quality friendships with unbelievers – but the primary focus of such a relationship should be to win them to Christ, by sharing the Gospel with them and demonstrating salvation in your life.

Answer 4

Hey Jonathon,

i have many friends who are homosexual, etc. and i'm a pastor. The Bible teaches us to speak the truth in love- so i'm sure God can really use your friendship to show her and not merely tell her about the love of Christ.

Speak the truth in love is what the Bible tells us so there are times we have to tell people they are wrong- i find how you tell someone is more important - See Colossians 4:2- our words should always be seasoned with grace so we know how to answer.

Love her for who she is...

Is it not wrong - we saw Jesus befriending the down and out and destiute of the world and love them!

hope that helps. Feel free to email me with questions regarding specific situations...

Blessings- [e-mail]

hope that helps,

nickster

Answer 5

It's not wrong, just be nice to her. And there's no need to talk about faith every minute, either. Talk about whatever you want; food, TV, computer games, whatever.

When the time comes, and she asks about faith, just tell her what you feel. When she sees that you're just a good friend who is faithful, she may feel herself moved. But if it doesn't happen, be friends anyhow. You're doing God's work by simply doing good by those around you.

Answer 6

Rance D said it well. Be her friend, just don't partake of the lifestyle. Do you have any non-Christian relatives ? I assume that you still associate with them and go to the family get-togethers right. If you have no unsaved friends then you are hiding in your house all day and need to go out into the world. I personally find that the unsaved are generally better people than the church going crowd.

Answer 7

You don't know if she is wrong and you can't force someone to believe in something so let her think for herself. You wouldn't like it if she tried to convert you. If you base your friendship on religious beliefs then you will ruin the friendship. You have no right to tell her that she is wrong and that she has to believe in what you do.

Answer 8

Don't try to convert her but rather contribute to her life by showing her kindness and the love of God in your life. Definitely check out the book "Furious Pursuit" by Tim King and Frank Martin.

Answer 9

Why do you need to convert her? Why can't you just be her friend and not pressure her to change. Don't you like her as she is? It really isn't your place to tell her she's wrong to worship as she does. How would you feel if she told you she intended to convert you to HER way of thinking?

Matt. 7:1 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged."

Answer 10

What's so bad about having a pagan friend? I have two, and I befriended a kid that likes to think of himself as the Anti-Christ, I also admire Marilyn Manson a lot and I have a bunch of Bi friends.

The bible forbids YOU to do that sort of stuff, it doesn't say anything about your friends.