Drupal

During the weekend we talked about the question, “How do I share Jesus with my friends without being intolerant?” this questions was texted to me.  “What do I do about my friends that claim Christianity but really don’t live it at all and I worry about their salvation?” The short answer is, keeping loving them and living your life as a fulfilled follower of Jesus so they can see what they are missing. Now, the long answer. First, discern whether or not the behaviors they are exhibiting that look “Christian” to you are in fact fruit of a heart that is not following Jesus. This is not so you can present a list to your friends of their “sins” and produce guilt with your confrontation. I said “discern” not “judge”. This step is for you. You and I learn a lot when we need to read the Bible so that we can help others. Does Jesus say the actions that concern you are in fact those of one not following Him? Are these actions in the category of “deadly sin” (I John)? Deadly sins are those actions of a person who denied Jesus ever existed. Do your friend’s actions defy God’s love and reject the serving of others and concern for the poor and oppressed? Pray! Once you have discerned what you need to be concerned about, begin to pray daily for your friends. If they are followers of Jesus who are standing still in their faith – they have decided to follow Jesus, but are not actively doing as He did – pray for the Spirit of God to touch their hearts and reveal to them their special and vital place in the Kingdom of Heaven. Ask God to call them close to Him. Ask God to give you the right words and thoughts and actions so you can serve as His partner in leading your friends. If you discern they are not following Jesus at all – remember, this is for you only and not for you to talk about – pray that God would lead them to Jesus and use you as a guide to Christ’s love. Third, be a leader in the actions of a Jesus Follower. Ask your friends to join you in church, serving the poor, caring for the oppressed, going on a mission trip, or building homes for homeless. Ask them to join you in a Bible study. Seek out conversations with them in one-on-one situations and serve them for all you are worth. Be a source of joy and encouragement to them. Last and hardest, when you must, excuse yourself from activities that are harmful. Do so with gentleness and grace. Do so with love and charity. If you can be part of the activity and be Jesus and light in the midst of darkness without being drawn into behavior that is harmful, then stay and be a shining beacon of hope. But there are times when our absence speaks louder than our words ever do. If you do leave, call your friends the next day and connect and care for them. Blessings as you serve all those around you. Remember – love God, neighbor, self and enemies just as Jesus loves us!