Friends/peer pressure

[Jace]

As I've stated before, I am recently born again, and in this, I have come to realize that some of my closest friends are not nor do they support Christians. This is troubling for me, as I've become really close to some of these people, and I know them to be good people. I don't really know how to tell them I've changed... and I'm worried they'll see me differently than they did before. I know that I *should* tell them and accept whatever response as my lot. If they leave, then thats on them for judging me... but I don't want to lose my friends.

[free.your.mind]

What kind of loser isn't going to be your friend anymore because you hold different beliefs?

[Jace]

exactly what I was thinking

[Ed]

hmm interesting question. I suggest you pray for God to give you some opportunities to tell them, but also taht you would notice the oppurtunities he gives.

With some ppl i dont think theres any need to tell them till they ask - ie. they notice your now living differently and ask why your acting strange or acting different or don't quite seem to be the you they knew any more... then is your chance to say, Jesus made a difference in my life. Im not one for going look at me look at me - i'm now a christian this is awesome. Yer say its awesome but leave them to the pondering for a bit... don't smak em in the face with it.

From experience when you leave someone to ask something rather than making them hear it they listen better and are behind you with it more for kinda respecting them. Unless thats out of character and your the sorta person who's always going - guess what happened to me yesterday you know!

Lord i just ask that you'd give Jace a courage and wisdom to witness to his mates with. Provide him with the right oppurtunities when they are more likely to listen and be interested because they arent in a bad frame of mind at the time etc... And more than anything speak through him holy spirit when he does tell his mates. Be working in their hearts already softening them to you so that they wil listen with interest and want to know more about a personal saviour. Finally i ask that you would help Jace to know which friends to just leave with love if they walk away for him even if only for a short time. Amen

[living4christ]

That is really hard the only good christian friends i have are the ones in my youth group. When i start school I will have to tell all my friends too. Just be honest with them. You will be much better off without them if they do not accept you livning the life you choose to live. My advice is Pray and ask God to give you the strength you need to tell your friends about your decision.

[jcdesertvoice]

Having them see you differently is not a bad thing. I know it is hard losing friends becuase of beliefs. I've lost Christian friends becuase of my beliefs. But really the best thing you can do is be a living example. That speaks more then a thousand words. Let them see that you are changed. Speak only when necessary. And as you continue to change and grow they will see Christ in you and that is a great witness. If they don't like that then hard as it is God will send you friend who will be an encouragment to you. A group that will support our Christian walk and you guys can grow together.

[Chette]

But you have to expect that when you start to show that you are a christian, you will be an alien of this world. The Bible tells us in 2 peter 2:4, we will be rejected by God.

In my experience, I have lost popularity, fame, many of friends when I became a Born again Christian. But God never left me nor forsake me, and He gave me a new sets of friends.

What God wants for us is to choose Him rather than our friends. Don't be afraid if your friends will stop being your friend because you have accepted Jesus Christ. God has good plans for you, God will give you new sets of friends that will help you to grow in knowledge of Him.