Having a non-Christian best friend

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JohnDB

Well-known member
Jan 16, 2021
6,180
2,487
113
#21
What a strange question.
I have many best friends at work who are female and are atheist for the past 15 years.
They haven’t ”corrupted” me, in fact Iv’e changed them over the years with actions and behavior which comes from my faith.
Yes...
This can be true...I've witnessed the same thing in my life. Had many people actually come to Christ due to my relationship with these people.
But what is true for you and me is not true for others.

There's a lot of dynamics that go into relationships. So to make blanket statements....not exactly a good thing.

Bad company can corrupt good morals.
But darkness cannot overcome the light.
But the light can choose not to shine.
 
C

ChristianTonyB

Guest
#22
What a strange question.
I have many best friends at work who are female and are atheist for the past 15 years.
They haven’t ”corrupted” me, in fact Iv’e changed them over the years with actions and behavior which comes from my faith.
So, you've decided to ignore the warnings in the Bible then. What is your type of faith, if you don't mind me asking?
 

BeeThePeace

Active member
May 2, 2022
443
135
43
#23
Hello,

I know this isn’t strictly family-related, but we are very close.

I’d like to hear some both moral and religious perspectives on the suitability of being best friends with, and spending time with, a non-Christian. My best friend is a relatively moral person, but we differ radically on sexual morality in particular (she views it as meaningless, but not quite as transactional). I worry sometimes if associating with her is somehow corrupting, even if it’s not obvious to me.

I’d appreciate any input.

Adam
You're identifying her as your best friend for a reason. How long have they been that for you?

Jesus sat a table and dined with sinners. His Disciples were confused and maybe even a bit scared to see this man who taught righteousness, peace in the spirit, mercy, love for ones neighbor as ones self, love for God, doing this.

Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well. Something no Jew would do because the Samaritan's we're considered lesser people, an enemy of sorts, and unclean according to Jewish doctrine.
Yet here's a man who was a Jew, was the prophesied Messiah, sitting and talking with a serial adulteress. He gave her respect. He led her to the living water that far surpassed that in the well. Water that assured she would never thirst again.

If Jesus, who was God, would set these examples to the shock and outrage of the disciples, even the pharisees who witnessed his ministry, how would it be wrong to stay in a relationship with your non-Christian friend?

You do not lead a person into salvation. God does. He calls them to himself. Jesus said no one comes to him unless the father leads them. No one comes to God except through him.

You can be the example of Christ and his teachings . When Jesus supped with sinners, laid hands on leper's, the unclean, how can we think we as a Christian cannot be friends with those who are not?
Christian=Christ like.

She's your best friend. As is you being hers.
Nothing wrong with that. It is a blessing for you both.
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
7,188
113
#24
I find that those who are not believers often decide not to go with God so they will not fellowship with you
and fellowship is very important in a friendship

remember when Jesus asked his disciples, some of whom were his friends to stay and pray with him but they fell asleep, was it cos they were tired or they just didnt want to stay up for him

Judas also betrayed Jesus

so...just be careful, because there is a difference between those wanting to believe and those that secretly hate God, just dont expect too much from them

because when they reject Jesus they will reject you as well, your ultimate destinations are going to be different.

am not talking about a specific church Im meaning spiritually, you will know -there will be a chasm that neither of you can cross when its too late
 

Eli1

Well-known member
Apr 5, 2022
4,621
1,960
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46
#25
So, you've decided to ignore the warnings in the Bible then. What is your type of faith, if you don't mind me asking?
This is a great question my friend :) My type of faith is Dying for Christ. That‘s my type of faith. So if someone puts a gun on my head and says Deny Christ or I’ll shoot, i’ll say “Go ahead and shoot“.

Because of this type of faith, I don’t automatically judge sinners, that’s up to God.
I don’t judge you when you interpret the Bible wrong and I don’t judge a prostitute in sin either because nobody can shake my faith and conviction in Christ.
‘That’s my faith.
 
C

ChristianTonyB

Guest
#26
This is a great question my friend :) My type of faith is Dying for Christ. That‘s my type of faith. So if someone puts a gun on my head and says Deny Christ or I’ll shoot, i’ll say “Go ahead and shoot“.

Because of this type of faith, I don’t automatically judge sinners, that’s up to God.
I don’t judge you when you interpret the Bible wrong and I don’t judge a prostitute in sin either because nobody can shake my faith and conviction in Christ.
‘That’s my faith.
That's admirable, but you are not unique there. 🙂
I still can't figure out why any Christian would choose to ignore biblical warnings against having continued close associations with unbelieving friends, or family for that matter (unless it's an unbelieving spouse). I personally don't regard that as being courageous, but being disobedient and perhaps suicidal. I'm not saying Christians need to lock themselves off, away from the world, but they do need to be cautious and protective of their salvation, and to prefer each other's company. 🙂
 

Blade

Well-known member
Nov 19, 2019
1,772
623
113
#27
The word of God is clear on this. From just what you say the sweet holy Spirit has been trying to talk to you about this. For all we know were the only light they will ever see. Is it truth we seek? Well then do we truly care about them right? Why are with them for self or Christ? Before I really surrendered my best friend .. very bad night life but after I surrendered to Christ I still hung out with him all the time BUT Christ was always the 1st thing on my mind. I told him about Christ all the time. That relationship could never be the same. He was part of this world I was not of this world.

Yes lead him to Christ one night. Some time later he got a girl pregnant and that was the last time I saw him. If he had not gave his life to Christ would I hang out with him? No.. something inside says no. So I listen to the holy Spirit in me. With God there is no well they are of this world but your best friend so its ok. It is within me to know do they know Christ not to just have fun hang out and live this life. Every moment I am with anyone that is the thought I want to be thinking about. To say to do something where they will see Him. Do you understand to live this life one second with out Christ? Think.. no one is promised tomorrow.. will they some day say "dude you were with me so many times and you never shared.". This is where Christ says.. don't hide that light let it shine!

I don't know why anyone else is here. I am not going to bank on most are blind "if you were blind you would have no sin. You say you see your sin remains." Something I believe yet I can't bank on that as the answer. So far as I know if anyone around me does not know Christ THATS why I am there! Has to be my choice and if I say nothing Christ will not judge me nor condemn me. If I keep ignoring that sweet voice then He will stop telling me. How many here can say.. yeah I don't hear anything any more or do we make some kind of excuse.

ALL this is what I think... me. I am no ones God nor does anyone have to listen to a word I say PRASIE GOD huh! :) Its never by chance.. Ask pray lord what do you want me to do say. No matter the cost.. say yes
 

2ndTimothyGroup

Well-known member
Feb 20, 2021
5,883
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#28
I'd rather hang out with a non-Christian than a hypocritical "christian."
 

Willow

Well-known member
Oct 10, 2021
435
405
63
ohio
#29
Hello,

I know this isn’t strictly family-related, but we are very close.

I’d like to hear some both moral and religious perspectives on the suitability of being best friends with, and spending time with, a non-Christian. My best friend is a relatively moral person, but we differ radically on sexual morality in particular (she views it as meaningless, but not quite as transactional). I worry sometimes if associating with her is somehow corrupting, even if it’s not obvious to me.

I’d appreciate any input.

Adam
I had a very close friend for years that was not a born again Christian. I did not push God on her, plus she bipolar. More than once went off on me misunderstanding things . But I knew she just needed understanding and encouragement.
But after a few years when I would put an encouraging scripture, prayer etc. on facebook, she would attack it and those who commented thank you etc.
I asked her to please stop badgering people. I prayed and God told me it was time to move on. But everything is for a season, even best friends. I am not saying she will be gone in the future but sometimes they are in our life to show them God's love and his salvation. Pray about it, it may be time to move on. Because the devil will use anyone to lead us astray. But for now the person may still supposed to be in your life,amen.
 

ResidentAlien

Well-known member
Apr 21, 2021
8,234
3,575
113
#30
Hello,

I know this isn’t strictly family-related, but we are very close.

I’d like to hear some both moral and religious perspectives on the suitability of being best friends with, and spending time with, a non-Christian. My best friend is a relatively moral person, but we differ radically on sexual morality in particular (she views it as meaningless, but not quite as transactional). I worry sometimes if associating with her is somehow corrupting, even if it’s not obvious to me.

I’d appreciate any input.

Adam
If you're uncomfortable and think this friendship could be having a negative effect on you then I'd start to disengage. Of course that's totally up to you, all I'm saying is our relationship with Christ is more important than anything so don't be afraid to walk if you think it's for the best.

We should be engaged with people who aren't Christians but I'm not sure about best friends.
 
Jul 9, 2022
441
65
28
#31
OP said:
(she views it as meaningless, but not quite as transactional).
The Thousand Rooster Stare.
OP said:
I worry sometimes if associating with her is somehow corrupting
Yes, it already has been, that's why you're worried. 100% you're being corrupted.

As to how, it could be said that her demons will be watching you closely, especially if you radiate Jesus, hoping to use anything of your weaknesses to tighten on her, and to weaken you into failure. Physically, her hormones will be in your nostrils, and we are highly respondent to social scents. Since her will is going to be adulterous, she will be emitting sexual scents where they should be placed in check by a recognition of a need for holiness. Educationally, her words will be imprinting on your memories of the events you're undertaking, making any recollection likely to bring up a lesson that comes from her dying flesh.

Thus you will be tested in your flesh needlessly, miseducated in subliminal ways, and sanctifying a sinners rebellion. Reminds me of me and my condition, where the person I see the most is overtly hypersexual.
 

TheNarrowPath

Well-known member
Jul 17, 2022
1,012
548
113
#32
Hello,

I know this isn’t strictly family-related, but we are very close.

I’d like to hear some both moral and religious perspectives on the suitability of being best friends with, and spending time with, a non-Christian. My best friend is a relatively moral person, but we differ radically on sexual morality in particular (she views it as meaningless, but not quite as transactional). I worry sometimes if associating with her is somehow corrupting, even if it’s not obvious to me.

I’d appreciate any input.

Adam
I mean you said you differ in sexual morality. All I know is when my faith was down my guard was down so anything goes. Dont be surprised if you find out that someone that differs from you in that regard, also may see you as a one sided challenge they are willing to take on.
 

JohnDB

Well-known member
Jan 16, 2021
6,180
2,487
113
#33
I mean you said you differ in sexual morality. All I know is when my faith was down my guard was down so anything goes. Dont be surprised if you find out that someone that differs from you in that regard, also may see you as a one sided challenge they are willing to take on.
Where is it said? "Do not be confused, Bad company corrupts good morals"

Yeah....

You will become similar to those you associate with,
Friends and associations do more to adjust your behavior and attitudes than any sermon you listen to or Bible study you involve yourself with.
 

TheNarrowPath

Well-known member
Jul 17, 2022
1,012
548
113
#34
Where is it said? "Do not be confused, Bad company corrupts good morals"

Yeah....

You will become similar to those you associate with,
Friends and associations do more to adjust your behavior and attitudes than any sermon you listen to or Bible study you involve yourself with.
Correcto mundo!!
 
Jun 28, 2022
1,258
383
83
#35
Hello,

I know this isn’t strictly family-related, but we are very close.

I’d like to hear some both moral and religious perspectives on the suitability of being best friends with, and spending time with, a non-Christian. My best friend is a relatively moral person, but we differ radically on sexual morality in particular (she views it as meaningless, but not quite as transactional). I worry sometimes if associating with her is somehow corrupting, even if it’s not obvious to me.

I’d appreciate any input.

Adam
In life we have many aquaintances, few true friends and if blessed one very best friend.

Be blessed. Not worried. ☺️
 

HealthAndHappiness

Well-known member
Jul 7, 2022
10,221
4,283
113
Almost Heaven West Virginia
#36
Hello brother,

I will offer my own 2¢ as you are seeking wisdom on a tough issue. Tough in that it's not always cut and dry easy to discern.
I've been single all my life, yet an extrovert and been put into leadership positions that puts me in contact with lots of believers and non believers alike. This question has come up many times, so I'll give a few examples and you can perhaps glean something from that concerning your own decision if you wish.

A. Being unequally yoked together refers to oxen plowing a field. They are going the same direction and accomplishing the same goals, day in and out.
When it comes to unbelievers, we may have things in common such as hobbies or coworkers on a job that we see daily. God didn't take us out of the world, but he didn't intend for us to be worldly minded. We are to be lights to them.

An example of unequal yoke would be marriage or a relationship that the other may have inappropriate influence over us.
Example: I thought that I led this beautiful Roman Catholic to Christ. She went along with my leadership for a time, became my girlfriend and we talked about marriage. Eventually, we were growing in different directions. I was growing closer to the Lord and she was acting differently and indulging in inappropriate behavior behind my back. When I realized this, and broke up, she admitted that she was just putting on a show and didn't sincerely trust Christ alone, but put her faith in Sacraments (works, see Titus 3:5) Too. You see, she didn't get saved, but was living a lie. I would not, but IF a believer and unbeliever gets married, or lives together out of wedlock, as is common today, then raising children and many other conflicts will have happened ....for a lifetime. Since I had certain moral foundations, that protected me. Two can not walk together in that close relationship without being in agreement. Some unbelievers do, but then Christ is Not that man's Leader. The head of the man is Christ. The head of his woman is her man, to paraphrase.

C. Non-marriage relationships...
I've had a lot of unbelievers show up to my meetings, but learned that this was not healthy as they may influence weaker believers who need to grow up. Even without intimacy, the primary direction for believers should be God's Word. To unbelievers, it is whatever their own philosophy and morality or lack thereof is.

C. Concerning Reprobates, the doctrine is spoken of many times. Romans chapter 1 is one of many descriptions. I have taught students and run a business where I wasted time, money and energy on them. No longer!
I've learned from too many bad experiences that they don't have a problem. They "have been given over to a reprobate mind.". There are several long lists of their qualities that I don't have time to get into. When I open a business, AND a school, God willing, I will never hire one. I don't even want to take them on as a student. It might cost me money, but Abraham refused the offer of a king's ransom and God still blessed Abraham.
My Dad warned me long before I knew what one was and I have to agree from my own experiences in business dealings. I'm not saying that unbelievers are reprobate children of the devil. All people are children of men. Only a small percentage don't want to retain God in their minds and eventually are rejected by God. Not all atheists are reprobates or agnostic. Some get saved.
I will leave off here with two short messages that might be a blessing. I hope that this helps you. PM anytime.

https://www.kjv1611only.com/video/12other/Jack_Hyles_Explains_Reprobate_Doctrine.mp4

This next 4 minute message from an Evangelical pastor might be helpful for leading your friend to Christ. Let me know if you need help sharing the link with her.