Witnessing to Friends

[JeffShott]

I decided to make this topic because it is a problem I have been having, and, most likely, other teens are too.

Witnessing to friends.
As a Christian, I feel obligated to witness to those around me, especially my friends. But, there are a few issues that arise on this subject.

My dad has told me "Be careful when you are arguing with someone about something as serious as Religion, because you just might win". This, I find, is actually great advice. Some people can be very negatively affected by being successfully witnessed to. They might go into a stage of depression, because they can't handle knowing God exists, and that they don't have complete control over their lives. Or a similar situations might occur, if someone has their life-long religious beliefs 'shattered' by a Christian, when being shown that the truth is in Christ.
Also, there is always the chance that you might lose
a friend because you were witnessing to them, and something went wrong. But, is it any better not to try? Keep your friend, but have them be unbelievers? In the end, that is option is a lot worse for them.

I suppose that this is all a matter of situational circumstances, but feel free to use this thread to share your personal experiences witnessing to friends, or just witnessing at all.

Discuss.

 

[Nick]

Interesting post. I definately agree that we neeed to be iwttnessing to friends, as they need to know God. And it definately is very hard to do so, for the fear of losing a friend.

Here's a challenging isutatoin: I have a friend, who used to be muslim. Most of his family was and still is muslim, especailly his mother. I invited him along to my church's youth group about three years ago. Well lets just say that his mother didn't like that, and told him not to go. But he did want to go, just so he could learn about Christian beliefs. Well his parents were/are divorced, and his dad is athiest, so my friend decided to ask his dad whether he could go, and he said yes.
Ok, so that was cool but his mother found out and actually threatened to disown him if he kept going. We asked our senior minister what to do and he said "his faith is more important than his relations with his mother". I thought this was incredably challenging, so I kept inviting him along. And he kept coming along, and becasue of the Lord's amazing power and grace, two things have happened:
1) his mother is no longer objecting heaps about him going
2) he is now a Christian, as of 18 moths ago

So often it can be worth it, and we need to remember that we might plant a seed that will sprout much later in life, and the Lord makes it grow.

The book of 1 Peter also says that if we are not telling those around us that we are Christians and we aren't being persecuted by the world, then do we really have the faith that we say we do?

Also, the book of James says this:

13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

17But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

This passage says to us to mostly evengalise with our acts and how we live our lives in a Christian manner. Quarraling with non-believers will mostly get us nowhere and can often lead us to sin.

 

[JeffShott]

Thank you for you insightful post, Nick.
I have only actually successfully witnessed (converted) on friend in my life, and I don't live anywhere near him now, so I don't know how he's doing.
I am currently debating Christianity on occasion with my Atheist/Agnostic friends, and more discussing than debating with those of other denominations (Mormon, Catholic, Orthodox, etc.)

 

[Nick]

Thank you for you insightful post, Nick.
I have only actually successfully witnessed (converted) on friend in my life, and I don't live anywhere near him now, so I don't know how he's doing.
I am currently debating Christianity on occasion with my Atheist/Agnostic friends, and more discussing than debating with those of other denominations (Mormon, Catholic, Orthodox, etc.)

At least you're doing that. I know of Christians (and I know myself am also guilty) of not really 'going out there' as a Christian. This we need to do, for the benefit of others.