my friends a really cool but the thing is that none of them are the same religion as me (some don't even have one) i like them a lot but i feel sad sometimes because when i mention God they get a little uncomfortable. and i keep telling them not to use his name in vain or to talk about him in a disrespectful way ( because i don't hate on their religions) but it's a habit for them and though they don't do it so often, when they do t bothers me. what should i do?
2007-01-29 12:28:20 · 12 answers · asked by Josee G 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Well, you can't really ask others to change for your benefit because it might make them feel resentful - and you should never expect to be able to control others. If it really bothers you that much, you can either ask them nicely if they would mind being more sensitive to your beliefs by not saying those things, or you can choose to find different friends if they refuse to be mindful of your feelings when you're around. Just understand that for some people - it's habit to speak like that and they probably don't understand why it offends you. They may think you're being too sensitive. On the other hand if they really value your friendship, maybe if you just talked about it with them they would try harder to watch themselves when you're around.
2007-01-29 12:35:47 · answer #1 · answered by swordarkeereon 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you have to understand that to them, the word "God" does not hold the same reference and power that it does for you. For you, I understand that the word "God" is rich with meaning and substance, but you must respect the religious views of others - especially your friends - if you expect to receive the same amount of respect. I think you need to learn to not take the use of the Lord's name in vain, for instance, as a direct attack on your religion. They are not referencing your experience - they are speaking from their own, and to them, the word "God" is insignificant. It doesn't matter if they use it in vain, or use it in a disrespectful way. That's their choice. You should stay more concerned with how you behave in respect to God, and less concerned with what your friends believe. I understand that this may be hard, as they're your friends, but that's part of the respect that you should grant your friends.
2007-01-29 20:45:08 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Spend less time with them- if you have shared the gospel with them and are a light to them that is great, but if they are becoming a hindrance between you and God, you need to stop hanging out with them. It would bother me too, and I know I would not want to be around someone who blasphemy's my Lord and Savior. It is good for you to be around other believers when fellowshipping and hanging out- spending quality time with them instead- Just continue praying for these friends, that the Lord would soften their hearts- and really sit down and talk with them about how this affects you- if they do not care, than maybe they were not such great friends afterall! But God tells us not to associate with darkness- because what does light have to do with darkness? How can these two mingle? So you see-- it is not healthy for you to be around them anyway....but of course continue being a light to them when you see them- and kind to them.
2007-01-29 20:34:39 · answer #3 · answered by Mandolyn Monkey Munch 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep pushing them and they won't be your friends for long. Look, if they aren't trying to change you, why do you feel the need to try to change them? If you want to keep them around, you need to lay off.
2007-01-29 20:33:47 · answer #4 · answered by Alex 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can't change people.....you can only change yourself.
If your friends conduct bothers you then you'll have to find new friends....who have the same beliefs that you do.
You'll be happier and so will your current friends.
2007-01-29 20:33:09 · answer #5 · answered by daljack -a girl 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get around to growing a thicker skin?
Occasionally use one of their deity's names as a curse?
Get over yourself?
Three quick options.
2007-01-29 20:32:47 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why don't you invite them to church and pray that the Holy Spirit will open their hearts to receive God's truth?
2007-01-29 20:33:17 · answer #7 · answered by Martin S 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds to me like you have been doing the right thing all along, and they're listening and learning. I would tell you to continue doing what you have been doing.
2007-01-29 20:32:55 · answer #8 · answered by Heaven's Messenger 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Love them, but if you have no strength to witness to them - leave them. It maybe harsh to think this way, but you have to choose one or another. Sometimes we just can't have both.
2007-01-29 20:33:35 · answer #9 · answered by Kalistrat 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Either they can change the way the speak around you, or you can lighten up, or you can find new friends.
2007-01-29 20:32:22 · answer #10 · answered by Laptop Jesus 2.0 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋