Friendship in a Christian Context Part 2

Review

As we discussed last time, there are five key takeaway’s to remember about friendship.

God designed friendships for building us up, not tearing us down.

Godly friendship is built on love, loyalty, and sacrifice.

We should be careful with the friendships we form because the people closest to us shape who we become.

The greatest friendship we can have is friendship with God Himself.

Godly friendship is marked by forgiveness and grace.

Group Activity

Split up into groups of two. Discuss the most important aspects of sharing the gospel with someone. For example, what are some things you may need to know? What are some resources you may need?

Write down your answers, then we will discuss!

How Can I Be Friends with People Who Are Not Christians?

You can most certainly be friends with people who are not Christians.

Jesus Himself was known to be a “friend” of sinners. Luke 7:34 “The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’”

Jesus did not just avoid people who were far from God, He loved them, spent time with them, and showed them God’s heart.

Friendship with unbelievers is not forbidden

Answer: it’s an opportunity to reflect Jesus.

Even with this opportunity, we must ensure that we walk wisely.

Be loving but grounded. Romans 12:9 “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.”

Be a light, not a mirror. Matthew 5:14–16 ““You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Be careful who influences you most. 1 Corinthians 15:33 “Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.””

God designed friendships as a blessing, but we need to guard our hearts so that we are not leading others away from Christ; rather, we should be pushing people to Him.

Our friendships with unbelievers should lead to influence, not compromise.

Should I Be Rude or Mean to Those Who Are Not in Christ?

Absolutely not!

Some Christians think that rejecting or arguing with unbelievers shows strength and resolve.

To act this way directly defies the example that Christ set.

Jesus treated people with , even when they rejected Him.

Answer: grace and compassion

Read aloud: Ephesians 4:29 “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

Colossians 4:6 “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”

Matthew 5:44 “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,”

Discuss how these scriptures help you to understand how to be a friend with non-believers.

Godly friendships can be build on kindness, patience, and respect.

True followers of Christ:

Show love even when they are mocked.

Respond with truth and grace, not anger.

Remember that unbelievers are not the enemy, sin is.

Ask yourself: Do my words and actions reflect how Jesus loved those who did not know Him?

How Can I Share the Gospel with Them?

Our mission is not only to be a good friend, but to be a faithful witness. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus tells us to, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”

Sharing the gospel does not have to be complicated and it shouldn’t be forced. Here are some ways to do it naturally and lovingly:

The Testimony Approach

Simply share something God has done in your life.

Your testimony does not have to be “exciting” or complicated, just honest.

Jesus encourages the sharing of testimonies. Mark 5:19 “And he did not permit him but said to him, ‘Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.’”

This can be used for someone who is not fully ready to listen to the gospel.

The Questions Approach

Ask simple, but thoughtful, questions to open the door to conversations about faith.

For example: “Do you ever think about what happens after this life?” or “Ah, that is tough. Can I tell you about what has helped me through some tough times?”

This approach shows care and curiosity rather than pressure.

The Scripture Approach

By far the most popular approach is the Roman road. Use a few verses to explain salvation.

Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”

Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 5:8 “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 10:9 “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

These can be shared gently to explain each step of the gospel to someone.

The Lifestyle Approach

Let your actions do the preaching.

People always notice peace, honesty, and kindness.

Matthew 5:16 “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Ask yourself: Which method could I use this week to share with a friend who doesn’t know Jesus?

Discussion

Why do you think Jesus spent so much time with people who didn’t know God yet?

How can you balance being friendly without joining in sinful behavior?

What is one practical way that you can shine the light of Christ among your non-Christian friends?

Which method of sharing the gospel feels the most natural to you?

Challenge

This week I invite you to pray for one friend that does not know Jesus.

Then, take one step to share the love of Christ with them like:

Invite them to church/youth group

Share a verse that you find encouraging

Have an honest conversation about faith

Do something kind without expecting anything in return

Be the kind of friend Christ is to you!

Prayer: Father, thank you for loving us while we were still sinners. Give us the strength and courage to stand up and share your gospel with those around us. Help us to love others with your grace and patience. May our lives be a testimony that points others to you. In Jesus’ precious and holy name, Amen.