My best friend claims to have accpeted Jesus Christ into her heart but she has only been to a church a few times in the past four or so years and that was only a Catholic church. She doesn't have a desire for the Lord and I see her bearing the fruits of the Spirit, but not for the Lord, for herself and not all of the fruits. I know myself that as a Christian I don't always show the fruits of the Spirit and I don't always desire to follow the Lord but does that mean that she is just not saved or just myself? Also, how should I witness to her and talk about the Bible to her when everytime I do she gets uncomfortable and doesn't like me to? She is very important to me and I would love it if she came to the Lord this 2010 year before she physically dies. What should I do? Any advice or direction to the Word?

1/21/2010 9:38:05 PM by asinner, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/21/2010

Hello asinner,

As Christians we wish for others, especially love ones, to come to know God and His Son Jesus. Like you, and so many of us, I don't always show the fruits of the Spirit; this can be a hindrance when witnessing to someone close. There are also times when I just do not want to follow the Lord's teachings; at those times I find it hard to obey. However, I have learned that it is good to obey; especially when I don't want to.

May I ask in what way you have been witnessing to your friend? People's thoughts and experiences are varied and what works well with one may be completely ignored by another.

Also, if you have not done so all ready, pray constantly for God to reveal Himself to her, get your church to pray the same; if you like give me her name, I will pray for her and get my church to do the same. There is great power in intercessory prayer.

We each work with what God has given us and I will help you with this if I can.

Peace be with you.

2/2/2010 9:19:34 PM by MichaelRix, Member of Delve into Jesus since 12/2/2009

Thank you MichaelRix. It's nice to finally recieve a comment. Her name is Lacey Harris and as of now we are no longer talking and doubt we will for some time, if at all. She is dating a Mormon from Tennessee who will be moving back to our home town for his senior year in highschool. She is doing some things her mom would be furious if she knew. For the most part I regretfully admit to preaching to her and "throwing the Bible down her throat" which I have learned works only in rare cases where divine intervention is occurring. She claims to be Catholic but hasn't been to church continuously in about four to five years. Occasionally she will attend her Catholic church but not often. I was trying to show her the fruits of the Spirit in what I did but I recently screwed up.

2/3/2010 3:49:04 PM by asinner, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/21/2010

asinner,

I am sorry that Lacey is no longer talking to you and for the pain this must cause you. Do not push her, but hold out for a chance to ask for her forgiveness; and, do not forget to confess this to God. Perhaps in a few days she will be willing to talk to you and if so concentrate your talk on what you have done wrong and do not expect or even want her to do the same. She may not be receptive or even care that you are sorry, don't let that phase you. Most importantly avoid arguing with her at all cost because mending friendships takes time and the more you fight the harder it will be. Ask for God's guidance and He will direct you.

In regards to the things she is doing, always remember to hate the sin but love the sinner. Never give up hope that one day she will see the sins that have taken root in her heart, realize her bankruptcy with God, and thereby come to Him.

Do not be too hard on yourself, in your love for Lacey and zeal to witness to her you pushed to hard. We all push sometimes when we desire something and it is hard for us to remember that pushing is forcing. God cannot force you to love Him nor would He want to. He wants us to love and submit to Him of our own free will. If God will not force us then we most certainly won't be able to force others. Love and patience are the keys to witnessing.

The fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. I do not know which of these you fell short of, but I can tell you that I have constant trouble with peace, patience, and goodness. When I fall short of these things I ask the Lord's forgiveness and ask Him to reveal to me the things in my heart that war against them. We are sinners and it is in our nature to fall, but with God's help we can get back up and try again.

I say again do not lose hope; God uses all things for the good of His children. Peace be with you.

2/3/2010 9:32:48 PM by MichaelRix, Member of Delve into Jesus since 12/2/2009

I thank you for your sympathy and in regards to your message on the fruits of the Spirit, I too fall short a lot of times in patience. That is not the only ones but the one that seems to be my bane. I know what I need to do with Lacey and I have asked for her forgiveness and it still has been two weeks. More than that my parents know of some of her sins she is committing with her boyfriend and they are forcing me to have no contact with her what so ever. Granted we did used to date and we did do things that are innapropriate on a number of levels I feel as though I'm a new creation and I should show her what a true Christian is like. I have been praying that her boyfriend, Grayson, and herself are separated, or broken up so to speak, so that he will not immorally influence her. They have had kind of a weird past and when they stopped talking with each other around Christmas time I felt like Lacey was really starting to come around Christ's way but then she got back involved with this Mormon whom I believe is dragging her down. I don't know if it is right for me to ask God to break them up or not. What are your views on this. I do hope that one day she does see the error of her ways...but will it be here on earth...or before her Father in heaven.

2/4/2010 5:50:08 PM by asinner, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/21/2010

I thank you for your sympathy and in regards to your message on the fruits of the Spirit, I too fall short a lot of times in patience. That is not the only ones but the one that seems to be my bane. I know what I need to do with Lacey and I have asked for her forgiveness and it still has been two weeks. More than that my parents know of some of her sins she is committing with her boyfriend and they are forcing me to have no contact with her what so ever. Granted we did used to date and we did do things that are innapropriate on a number of levels I feel as though I'm a new creation and I should show her what a true Christian is like. I have been praying that her boyfriend, Grayson, and herself are separated, or broken up so to speak, so that he will not immorally influence her. They have had kind of a weird past and when they stopped talking with each other around Christmas time I felt like Lacey was really starting to come around Christ's way but then she got back involved with this Mormon whom I believe is dragging her down. I don't know if it is right for me to ask God to break them up or not. What are your views on this. I do hope that one day she does see the error of her ways...but will it be here on earth...or before her Father in heaven.

2/4/2010 5:50:12 PM by asinner, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/21/2010

asinner,

It is right and proper to petition the Lord with our desires; God wants us to be honest with our requests of Him. But you must remember that God's will may be different from yours and it is God's will that will be done.

I think it best to petition God as Jesus did; he prayed "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." Jesus asked God for what was in is heart and at the same time acknowledged and submitted to the sovereignty of God's will.

Always share your thoughts and desires with God while seeking His will for them.

Peace be with you.

2/5/2010 8:12:58 AM by MichaelRix, Member of Delve into Jesus since 12/2/2009

What verse, if I may be so bold as to ask, was that when Jesus said that? I have a feeling it will be in John but I'm not quite sure. Thank you for your help. I will not burden you with my problems further, and yes I do realize it does say that we should share in each others burdens but I like to be less of a burden to others and more of a pack mule to those very people. Which reminds me. Is there anything you need help with or someone to talk to with about something. You were there for me and I would like to repay the favor.

2/5/2010 4:05:20 PM by asinner, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/21/2010

The verse in question asinner is Matthew 26:39. He prayed this in Gethsemane just before he was betrayed by Judas to the Jewish mob. He was then taken before Caiaphas, the high priest, and the Sanhedrin; and so began the humiliating, brutal, and excruciating ordeals leading to his death on the cross.

You have been no burden; when I read your post God laid it on my heart to help you and I admit I was glad to follow God's will for this.

Thank you for your offer of help, if you wish to repay the favor then it is to God, not me, that I would prefer you do so; without God I am nothing. Study God's Word and apply it to your life. He has set the choice before you, either life or death; choose life.

Peace be with you.

2/5/2010 10:24:09 PM by MichaelRix, Member of Delve into Jesus since 12/2/2009

It appears that your friend is upset about something with regards to a saving faith in Jesus Christ. May I suggest that you simply say something like, "I'm glad that you are my friend and hope you know that I care a lot for you. I've noticed that you seem uncomfortable whenever I bring up spiritual stuff. I really don't want to keep rubbing you the wrong way, but can you at least tell me what it is that bothers you about this?, And then I won’t bug you any more", okay?

Then whatever she says it is, it is, and we have a starting place for prayer. Also, it could simply be the conviction she feels for allowing her fleshly lusts overrule her desire to please God. If this is the case, it’s evidence that the Holy Spirit is at work

7/3/2010 2:04:55 PM by LifeSavers, Member of Delve into Jesus since 7/3/2010