My best friend for 7 years is avoiding me and I really miss her, she joined the church 10 months ago and studies Bible every monday night. She no longer wants to talk to her old friends anymore because it reminds her of 'sinner' life, she also carries alot of guilt of what her past 'sin' e.g flirt with guys, go to nightclubs. I tried to let her go but i really miss her, we chat over the phone 2 nights ago, she kept telling me how stupid she was living in a sinner's life and how loving God must forgave her etc... i coudln't let her go because our deep friendship but she seems to be pretty easy to forget me. what should i do? should i pretend to be interested in christianity just to get her stay as a friend? (i am a strong atheist but i have no problem hiding it)
2007-11-28 07:44:40 · 21 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
There is no doubt that certain churches do encourage people to fall away from friends and to 'leave behind the former lifestyle'! Obviously where it may have been harmful (drugs/sexual perversity,etc) then it is far better to make a clean break!
HOWEVER, making a clean break from circumstances that drag us down as people, is NOT the same as cutting all ties with past friends!!!
You seem to genuinely care for this girl and so, presumably, would not be trying to encourage her to do things that she has turned her back on of her own free will!
I think that she needs time and patience to put down her roots and if you continue to keep in touch occasionally and be a 'listening ear', she will come to value that!
It saddens me to read that although she has obviously accepted Jesus into her heart and life, she has not been able to truly grasp what HE has Done for HER!!!
The MOMENT that she asked Him into her life, it was as though all the things that she is ashamed of had NEVER happened! She started with a completely new life and God has Removed it from her 'as far as the north is from the south and the east from the west'! It is GONE, FORGOTTEN as far as He is Concerned. All that He Sees when He Looks at your friend is THE BEAUTY OF JESUS Covering her from head to toe!
Sometimes, it does take time for someone to take this on board - I know from personal experience - but usually the penny does eventually drop!
DON'T pretend interest, but if you are able just listen and be there for her! There may come a time when she needs a friend like you - because not all 'christians' are friends in times of need and uncertainty!
I pray that Jesus will Guide your friend as she develops her walk with Him and that she will be able to see that Jesus NEVER turned away from a friend - particularly one in need (no matter what that need was)! Just give it time and I also pray that she will find a church that walks in 'The Light of Jesus'! Being a Christian is about having a relationship with Jesus, Father God and The Holy Spirit and reading The Bible! It is NOT about following a load of rules and regulations THAT is religion, it is NOTHING to do with Faith!
Just hang on in there and let her talk when she needs to!
L:ove in Jesus,
Margi
2007-11-28 09:59:09 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
She has chosen the path that she wants to take in life. Be open with her. Don't be offended when she speaks negitively about her past. She has changed her course. She changed because she was not happy...not because she did not like you as a friend. You might try asking her to share her experiences and tell her that you support her. Let her know that despite your differences...you are still friends. She will not want to do the things you use to do together, but perhaps you can go out to dinner or to church with her to show your support for what she has chosen. Good luck.
2007-11-28 07:51:01 · answer #2 · answered by loveChrist 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ask her if she is still your friend and if she would be willing to talk things thru with you. It seems to me that anyone who is willing to give up their life because they go to church is lost. No one should have to choose between church and friends. It seems she was not a very good friend to just let it all go. Don't pretend anything. If she can't accept your friendship as is, it is better to let her go.
2007-11-28 07:51:36 · answer #3 · answered by magix151 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't' be upset over your friends new found spirituality. Questioning life and searching for a path is something everyone does. The path she choose is her decision and hers alone. Just like returning to her "sinner life" is her choice to make alone. You haven't lost your friend. Both of you will have to compromise and spend time together doing something that doesn't conflict. Example..shopping, lunch, crafting, road trips, ..etc...
gl
2007-11-28 07:58:00 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It can be this way when you first meet with Jesus - if that's what's happened to your friend. Jesus is powerful indeed. Jesus meets every need we have - difficult to understand until we meet Him ourselves.
Has she asked you to go with her to Bible study? - this is a good indicator of what might be happening. When we meet Jesus - we want everyone to know Him - it's such an awesome experience.
Talk to her - tell her how you feel - she might ask you to go with her - or it might be time to let her go.
Sometimes in the beginning we put ppl out of our lives - and when we get a bit stronger we let ppl back in. You must talk to her for your own peace of mind - other ppl will come into your life.
I pray it works out good for you - take care.
2007-11-28 14:17:03 · answer #5 · answered by ;) 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am sad she is neglecting her old friends but if she is facing life without the chemical comfort of alcohol, etc., she has plainly found something potent. You do not have to pretend ANYTHING. Go along to Church with her and be honest you are doing it for her friendship. Not afraid, are you?
2007-11-28 08:51:42 · answer #6 · answered by alan h 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Congratulations to your friend, she is now on the winning team. If you are truly a friend, why don't you go check out her new lifestyle. I'm assuming that since you were friends for so long, you had alot in common. Go and see her new life, and how much better off she is. Then you can decide if you can still be friends.
2007-11-28 07:55:48 · answer #7 · answered by Splinter 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The Bible teaches that at the end of the world all the wicked will come under eternal punishment in a place called Hell, and this time may be very near. There is much Biblical evidence that points to the fall of 2011 as the end of the world.
Please contact Family Radio for the free book:
TIME HAS AN END by Harold Camping
A Biblical History of the World 11.013 BC - AD 2011
http://www.familyradio.com
And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be TIME NO LONGER:
But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets. Revelation 10:5-7
2007-11-28 07:49:05 · answer #8 · answered by JESUS means: JAHWEH is Salvation 2 · 0⤊ 5⤋
I wonder what church she joined. For what I've seen, most of the Christian churches teach that once you're forgiven you need not to worry about your past.
I don't know about other churches....
I hope you get your friend back. Good luck!
2007-11-28 07:51:14 · answer #9 · answered by Papucho 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like a cult, rather than a true Christian Church.
2007-11-28 08:06:09 · answer #10 · answered by A.M.D.G 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋