Close Friendships with Unbelievers
February 12, 2009
This is tough question to answer - Is it good for Christians to have close friendships with unbelievers. So, as you read the following response from
Bible Q&A site GotQuestions.org, try to keep an open mind about what's being said and definitely be sure to read the article all the way through.
Response:
People are divided into only two categories, those
who belong to the world and its ruler, Satan, and those who belong to
God (
Acts 26:18).
The message of
Scripture is that believers are completely different from nonbelievers,
and it is from this perspective that we must discern what kind of
friendships we can really have with unbelievers.
The book of Proverbs has a few wise verses on believers befriending
non-believers: "The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for
the way of the wicked leads them astray" (12:26). The Potential Detrimental Effects of Closeness with Unbelievers:If we become deeply involved (either by friendship or a romantic
relationship) with non-Christians, we are setting ourselves up for
turmoil. It can (and does often) cause the Christian to stumble in his
walk, fall back into a sinful life, and also turn others away from God
(by misrepresenting God and Christianity).
Another detrimental effect
of closeness with unbelievers is our tendency to water down the truths
of Scripture so as to not offend them. There are difficult truths in
the Word of God, truths such as judgment and hell.
When we minimize or
ignore these doctrines or try to “soft pedal” them, in essence we are
calling God a liar for the sake of those already in the grasp of Satan.
This is not evangelism.
Although these close relationships are not recommended, it does not mean we turn our noses up and ignore unbelievers, either.
Second Timothy 2:24-26
tells us that as servants of the Lord, we are to be kind to and not
quarrel with anyone.
We should gently teach those who oppose the truth,
and be patient with difficult people.
Matthew 5:16
tells us, “Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that
everyone will praise your heavenly father.” We should serve unbelievers
so that they may see God through us and turn to Him in praise.
James 5:16
says that there is great power in the prayer of a righteous person, so
bring your concerns for unbelievers before God, and He will listen.
Many people have been saved because of the prayers and service of
Christians, so don't turn your back on unbelievers, but having any kind
of intimate relationship with an unbeliever can quickly and easily turn
into something that is a hindrance to your walk with Christ.
We are
called to evangelize the lost, not be intimate with them. There is
nothing wrong with building quality friendships with unbelievers – but
the primary focus of such a relationship should be to win them to
Christ by sharing the Gospel with them and demonstrating God’s saving
power in our own lives.
Recommended Resource:
Becoming a Contagious Christian by Bill Hybels.
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