Sharing Your Faith with a Close Friend

One of the most difficult forms of witnessing may be the attempt to share your faith with close friends. Somehow with those we know and love the best, a certain awkwardness interposes itself in the process, making sharing in a natural way a difficult task. Part of the problem may be that our friends know us so well; they may be quick to use any shortcomings in our own lives as justification for their lack of commitment or their spiritual indifference. "I'm as good as you, so why do I need your God?" is a common response.

As in most witnessing situations, actions speak much louder than words. It is more effective to show your faith through actions, rather than through a great deal of talk. Words can make a person defensive; they may come across as judging or condemning. Remember that any piece of advice is an implied criticism. Thus even the most well-meaning and loving attempts to show a close friend that there is a need in his or her life may be interpreted as saying, "I cannot really accept you as you are. You must change in order to be acceptable to me." This, of course, is usually the farthest thing from the truth, but it may be how the friend perceives any verbal attempts at witnessing.

So we think the best approach is simply to show your faith through day-to-day living, to demonstrate in your own life the joy and peace which Christ brings to you. Let sharing come as a natural response to some experience or concept of mutual interest. Don't be reticent about speaking of your faith, but don't force-feed or drag the subject into conversation in an unnatural way.

Of course there are also practical things which can be done, like inviting a friend to special programs or services at your church--especially those in which you are to participate in some way. Or you might seek out Christian friends to provide a social framework in which the friend feels comfortable, and can see others sharing in Christian fellowship. Recreational activities at your church, such as sports, camping programs, music, drama, etc., may be a good way to bring a good friend into contact with a joyful and attractive Christian environment.

SUGGESTED READING

One of the best resources is “On Mission Magazine” published by the North American Mission Board, SBC. To order subscriptions call 1-888-239-3990.