Question:
i know i don't usually take advice well, but i'm trying...and i could use some conflicting opinions, so, if later i do get defencive, i'd like to appologise before hand. Ok, so i'm having a large problem with one of my non-christian friends. He's like my little brother, but we've gotten in this huge fight, and it's been going on for a few weeks now. So here's my delima (i have terrible spelling) part of me says to stick with him anyway, because i want to be there to show him forgiveness, and "the light" but the other part of me says it's time to cut off, that he's gone too far. To explain why this is so hard, my old youth leader-who helped bring me to Christ and i really looked up to- after he left to go to a different church, my only memory of his sermons, is a verse, regarding being unequally yoked with a non-christian. And i find it ironic or coincidental, or whatever you want to call it, that that's the one that's stuck in my mind. So i don't know what choice i'm supposed to make, and i've asked God, but it hasn't become clear yet, and i thought maybe you guys might have some ideas? anyway, thanks for anything! i'm going to try to be as accepting to whatever you have to say as possible.
Answer:
How close are you?
What is the problem (between you and him)?
What would be the reason for cutting it off?
Answer:
he lied to me, and betrayed me, i really don't want to describe the whole situation, but as much as he's done these things countless times, This time he knew it would hurt me, badly, but he did it anyway...not intentionally to hurt me, but still non-the-less. close, he's like my brother, i've known him for most of my life. The reason would be that i think he's gone to far, and i guess i'm looking for a reason that something like this would happen, maybe i'm supposed to part ways w/ him...but i don't know, that's what i want some advice...
Answer:
There's no need to describe the whole situation, that's enough for me to understand what you're talking about.
Something to keep in mind: lost people act lost. What he is doing is sinning and the reason he is doing it is because he is a sinner.
So how do you respond?
First, you forgive him. This person is (quite literally) on a highway to hell. Your forgiveness will show your Christian love and perhaps may win him to Christ (see your sig).
I'm afraid I don't have any specific answers on whether you should part ways or not. It seems that perhaps you have gotten too close but closeness can also be important to witnessing.
I will be praying for you though.
Answer:
First of all, being unequally yoked is in a marriage context, not a friend context. We are told in the Scriptures that we are supposed to be in the world but no of the world. Being friends with non-believers and showing them the love of Christ is our job - period.
Second of all, the hard part. Trust is something that is earned, no matter how close the person is to you. If he lied to you, it's perfectly acceptable for you to require him to earn that trust back. However, at the same time, he isn't a Christian and is therefore not conficted by the same moral values that you are. You need to remember this. Tell him that his dishonesty hurt you and that he is going to have to re-earn your trust, but I don't think you should cut him off completely.
Answer:
as corny as this sounds just forgive and forget and thigns will turn out great, pray tons, and just be there despite the pain and anger. the more love you show him the better