“Friendship of the world is enmity with God.” James 4:4
Notice what this statement says. It does not suggest that
we should treat the people of the world as enemies. Jesus never made hostility
to the world a condition for loving him. It does mean, though, that when you
become a believer, former deep friendships and intimate relationships can no
longer exist exactly as they did before.
You may still love a former friend, but your desire now is
to win him to Christ. You may go out to him, but with the new purpose of sharing
with him the good news that has brought you such release. This is what
Cornelius did in inviting his relatives and close friends to his home to hear
Peter speak.
Tell your former friends what has happened. Tell them you
have believed in the Lord Jesus. Should they react unfavorably, know that it is
better to be unwelcomed than to be drawn by them away from the Lord.
If possible maintain some association, for this is good,
but do not crave for intimate friendship. You belong to the Lord Jesus and are
there to represent him. Sooner or later you will see them either turn to him themselves
or forsake you. Rarely is it any other way.
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