what to do

[jenna]

I have a very good friend who I care about alot. I want to help him learn the ways of Christ, but it seems that every time I try even talking about God, he turns awawy. Any ideas on how to handle this?

[zoegirl]

There's only so much *direct* conversation you have have before he feels he is being cornered.

Any conversation should truly be that, just friendly conversation. "YOu know, we've never talked about ......, what are your thoughts?"

I think how he responds to that we give you the signal to how you continue. Above all, keep loving him. Because if he feels you pull away when he resists (not suggesting you would do that....just an observation), he will get the impression that he is just a notch on the witnessing belt. (got another one!)

He might be more open to reading and discussion books. "More than a Carpenter" by JOsh McDowell is a very light read that could be a discussion starter.

[Kurieuo]

I have a very good friend who I care about alot. I want to help him learn the ways of Christ, but it seems that every time I try even talking about God, he turns awawy. Any ideas on how to handle this?

I think zoegirl's suggestion of asking questions about his own thoughts, and then actually listening to what he has to say rather than being argumentative, is the best way to go.

It may mean putting up with some quite disagreeable beliefs you just want to show otherwise, but if you appear not really phased by anything he says then you will appear enigmatic to him and he'll begin wanting to know your own thoughts about what he says.

You may not end up changing his mind about Christ, however, at least he should come away with a few less obstacles. In the end it is up to each person to make their own choice.

[jenna]

Both of you have given me some good ideas and points. I guess my main question is, while I know it is up to each individual to make their own decisions, how good of a witness or Christian can I really be if I can't even get my friends to see how important it is to accept Christ? I don't try to push it too much, but it is really important that they see the truth. Sometimes I feel really useless.

[Kurieuo]

Both of you have given me some good ideas and points. I guess my main question is, while I know it is up to each individual to make their own decisions, how good of a witness or Christian can I really be if I can't even get my friends to see how important it is to accept Christ? I don't try to push it too much, but it is really important that they see the truth. Sometimes I feel really useless.

We can only do so much, but you can always go over how you could better handled or said things differently. None of us are perfect, and I am sure there is always room for improvement with the way we approach others about topics such as Christ.

It is for God to draw them freely to Himself but then not even God is unable to do such a feat with all people. So why assume such a responsibility yourself? We can only do so much, so if you feel inadequate (as I think all of us no doubt do many times when talking with others) it is just something we have to deal with and learn from as to how we could have approached things better.