I try every day to convince my friends to make good decisions and follow Jesus. But every time I bring up the subject of Christianity, they freak out and give me weird looks. They think I'm insane, but when we aren't discussing religion, they are great friends.
I can't stop being their friend, but it's so hard that i am the only Christian in my grade and that I can't help my friends, no matter how hard I try. I am really upset and don't know what to do.
2007-06-01 15:58:18 · 46 answers · asked by Adina 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
all you can do is live your life for the lord, you are responsible for yourself,you cant live for your friends,pray for them and they will come around in gods time
2007-06-01 16:12:41 · answer #1 · answered by san_ann68 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I feel for you. I had a similar experience. You have a missionary heart. Don't give up.
Are they trying to force you into situations that go against your beliefs? Politely decline & use it as an opportunity tell them why you don't want to do something &/or suggest something better to do (make a list of some favorable ways to spend time). You may have to choose not be with them sometimes.
Above all, remember that there is life after jr. high, life after sr. high, life after college, etc. etc. That was one of the best things my mother reminded me of when I was a teenager. Let your family be your friends more often than you might otherwise.
Find pass times that are acceptable to you as a Christian. Learn about missionaries online. Read about & write to persecuted Christians (www.persecution.com)--their stories will inspire & encourage you in your faith. Maybe you can eventually share these stories with your friends & they'll be interested.
Ephesians 6:10-18. Never give up!
2007-06-01 16:22:27 · answer #2 · answered by Sakurachan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't give up on them forever, but let it rest for a while. All you need to do is sow the seed, someone else years from now may water it, and it may be several more years before God cracks that seed open in their heart. When that happens, they'll come looking for the truth.
Any one of us may be called at any time to sow the seed, water it, or nurture a young Christian who has just sprouted.
I didn't become a Christian the first time I heard the gospel. It was years later, when I was a little more mature and ready to listen. So don't worry about it, let God keep at them (He's better at it anyway).
2007-06-01 16:07:58 · answer #3 · answered by ? 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't try to force it down their throats or you will push it away. I know you are not trying to do that but they may take it that way. I am also not telling you to stop witnessing to them. But it is not your job to convince them they need Jesus. It is the Holy Spirit through you or others that will convict them.
Here are some active steps you can take.
1 Pray.
pray unceasingly for them and for opportunities to witness.
2 Set an example.
You don't have to preach to them to show God's love in your life. Live your life in a godly manner and they will notice the difference.
3 Memorize scripture
Doing this will have you ready and willing to give the answer that God needs for them to hear.
It is not easy but don't give up.
Mark 16:15
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
2007-06-01 16:22:41 · answer #4 · answered by linnea13 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you continue to grow in the Lord while your friends choose to walk another path I have " no " doubt that your love for Jesus will far outweigh your desire to be their friend. Recently I had to let go of someone very special to me. We were as different as night and day. And for 3 years I walked before her as a child of God first and her good friend second. I finally realized after all that time that I was casting my pearls before swine. I've been thinking about her so much recently and your question just brought it full circle. keep shining the light of Christ and when it is time to make whatever move, God will show you just what to do.
2007-06-01 16:21:03 · answer #5 · answered by HeVn Bd 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Oh honey I lost a best friend I had for almost 9 yrs. because of me turning to God...it doesnt sound like they are great friends to me if they are gonna treat you that way because of your religious beliefs. The only thing I suggest is that you dont try to convince them of anything. You know that saying "Action speak louder than words"...well let your actions speak for you. Let them ask you questions, you cant make anyone follow your beliefs. You can give them advice biblically if their open to it, but other than that...just do it when the time serves. Each person is accountable for themselves. Just remember what this scripture says...
1Peter 4:1,2--"Because YOU do not continue running with them in this course to the same low sink of debauchery, they are puzzled and go on speaking abusively of YOU." But these people will render an account to the one ready to judge those living and those dead."
Find friends that have the same common interests. Its in your best bet, because the bible doesnt lie...they are doing exactly what that scripture says & they will have to be held accountable for their actions...
2007-06-01 16:24:24 · answer #6 · answered by Redd 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ask God to guide you through this issue. You can leave it to God to handle and in the mean time, try your best to be the friend you also would like to have.
They are not following God and they are not familiar with Truth, Jesus. I have a lot of friends who do not believe in Him either.
Just concentrate for being a good friend, when they feel comfortable, maybe they start to ask questions about it. Give it time. And in the mean time prepare giving them an answer and explain the reason for your hope.
2007-06-01 16:14:40 · answer #7 · answered by Ulrika 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Hector that OneIm0 is right. But you got a lot of good advice from others as well. You'll know it's the right time when they won't give you the weird looks. Normally the opportunity comes when something unusual or extraordinary happens in all of our lives. That is the best time to share God's message.
2007-06-01 16:12:09 · answer #8 · answered by Uncle Remus 54 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Pray to God silently for your friend's salvation and don't let them bring you down. You have to live your life for God, because you alone are responsible for the way you will turn out for the future. Let no man sway you from what is right. You can't confess to be a christian and live in the world as non-believers do, you have to set yourself apart from the world and be a light that shines in the darkness for all to see. Your friends may slowly be drawn to that light. Good luck!
2007-06-01 16:24:52 · answer #9 · answered by anjoek5859 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You sound young. You can not convince your friends of very much. You can invite them but if they are not interested then that it about all except to pray daily for them.
Be a good friend to them and care about them.
Be a good example of a christian before them.
Pray daily for them..
God will show them what is right, that is the job of the Holy Spirit.
2007-06-01 16:08:39 · answer #10 · answered by † PRAY † 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I appreciate your desire to bring your friends to Jesus Christ but if they are not ready you can't push them. Just be a good friend and set a positive Christian example. If they want to ask questions about Jesus or the Bible be ready to give them a correct answer. If you are too pushy about your faith you may loose them as your friends.
2007-06-01 16:13:05 · answer #11 · answered by mxcardinal 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋