Q: My friend isn’t really an atheist; she believes in a god, but just not our God.  I want to bring her to God, but how? What should I say?  I have tried before, but she won’t listen. Please help!

First, I love that you care about your friend enough to want to do whatever you can to show her how good it is to live life in love with the one true God. I understand how frustrating it can be when you see what someone desperately needs–it seems so simple to us!–but they just can’t see it. In those moments I have to thank God for opening my eyes to His truth, because I’d still be wandering around in the dark (just like your friend) if He hadn’t.

I’d encourage you to do three things for your friend. First, whenever possible, share Christ with her. You’ll have to do your homework so you can be ready to explain your faith. First Peter 3:15-16 says:

You must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.

You may not always have the perfect words, but none of us ever do! Your main goal is simply to share how she can have a personal relationship with God.

Second, remember that saving souls is God’s job, not ours. God asks you to share the Good News with your friend, but only He has the power to change her heart! You can’t beat yourself up if she still refuses to believe the truth after you’ve shared it with her. But your job doesn’t end once you’ve shared the gospel! The third thing I’d encourage you to do for your friend is to pray for her. Ask God to open her eyes so that she can see the truth. Pray earnestly for opportunities to share what God has done in your life, and for her salvation.

One final thought: Don’t get discouraged, even if it seems your words are hitting a brick wall. You never know how God might use your words–and your life–to draw your friend to Him, even if that’s years from now!

Love,