“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness” 2 Corinthians 6:14 (NIV). This verse is typically quoted when giving advice concerning Christians dating non-Christians, but can this verse also apply to friendships?
In Deitrick Haddon’s A Beautiful Soul, the character named Chris (played by Robert Ri’chard) seemed to be a light in the midst of darkness for the Andre Stephens (played by Haddon). Chris represented the central Christian figure in the film by consistently encouraging Andre to get his relationship right with God.
Yet, some people who saw the film may have wondered: How close is too close when it comes to Believers/Non-Believer friendships? How would this situation work in the real world?
This is a topic where Christians can be found on ‘both sides of the fence’. Some see no problem in having close relationships with non-Christians, viewing it as a way to evangelize to the lost. Others, however, recognize the potential dangers that a close relationship could bring. So who’s right?
According to a blog post on www.revelation.com titled, “Should Christians be Friends with Non-Christians (Unbelievers)?”, the writer recommends that Christians refrain from developing very close friendships as it makes one vulnerable to falling into a sinful lifestyle. Acquaintances, on the other hand, are acceptable as this type of relationship still allows one to show the love of God without allowing oneself to become too susceptible to bad influences.
There is definitely a real danger. In the film, Andre lived a lavish life of luxury where he could have anything he wanted. Chris was often present (though only briefly) at parties and studio sessions where temptations were plentiful.
Though Chris was a good example of how a Christian/Non Christian relationship could play out, the best model to study is Jesus Christ.
According to www.bibleistrue.com and www.projectinspired.com, Jesus represents a realistic, modern way to deal with these types of friendships and here are some tips that can Christians can follow:
#1. Check your motive
In various passages of the Bible, Jesus could be found hanging with sinners but his intent was not to secretly experience ‘secondhand sin’. His main motivation was to share the Gospel with the lost: “On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:17
Are you befriending someone in hopes that you’ll gain something from it (i.e. a romantic relationship, a job, popularity, etc)?
#2. Do not look down on people but show love
Jesus did not look down on those who were lost. Instead, chose to love them and expects all Christians to do the same: “The second is this ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’.
#3. Make sure you are rooted and grounded in your relationship with God
Jesus spent a lot of quality time learning from God and praying to Him. This practice allowed him to get to know God and establish a close relationship with Him. Christians are to do the same. Though one’s intentions may be good, temptation is all around but God can strengthen those who honestly seek Him.
What do you think about Christians being friends with Non-Christians?
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Be sure to check out Deitrick Haddon’s A Beautiful Soul, available on DVD August 21, 2012.
