letting go of friends

[ananar23]

Hi everyone, Im new here and i (obviously) have a question. Since becoming reborn a couple of my friends just dont seem the same to me. They are interested in negative music, tv programs...etc, and occasionally degrade me with sexual talk. Now, i have shared (maybe not as much as i could) my new found faith with them, but alas, i have no luck. one calls me "one of those ppl", and the other just ignores me. I should mention im female and my two (what i thought to be) best friends are guys. anyway, is it ok to let go of friendships? it seems that when i am around them i become frustrated and unhappy. or should i be kinder and understanding and persisting? hmmm, im stumped. its not easy for me to make new friends either. i live in a small town and ppl at the churches i have visited just stare at me funny....what to do, what to do. so yeah, my main question is is it ok to let go of somewhat negative relationships such as this? i feel like a fool for asking, but thought the new christian forum might be the place. :help:

[Kelly]

Welcome!

First of all, don't dump your friends. Avoid sinful activity, but don't drop them! You are not spiritually ready to witness to them. Secondly, you will probably not attract them by actively trying to explain it to them. Witness rather by example. Be the great, loving person that Jesus wants you to be. Be there for them. Help them out in a pinch. They will come to you if they want to know more about God.

Secondly, many times the reasons people might stare at you when you visit a church is because you're new. They may want to meet you. After service, greet some of them. Find out if there's a young adult ministry with meetings you can attend.

Take it easy!

[SpiritPsalmist]

I know that some may dissagree with this but I would say if your relationship with them is becoming strained don't force it to stick. The Holy Spirit is making changes in you and the fact that you are feeling uncomfortable is a sure sign for the needed change. I would not just dump them. . .however, it appears that you do need to get around more uplifting people. People who will incourage you in your walk with God, not tear you down. Continuing to submit yourself to relationships that drag you down is not beneficial to you and will not draw them to Christ. You must lead the way. . .not them. Generally, unless you find them leading the way instead of you it is OK to occasionally hang around them, but they should never be your only friends. I've seen more people fall away from Christ because they hung on to their old friendships rather than listen to the Holy Spirit and following His guidence to more uplifting friendships.

Be blessed sister,

Quaffer

[MagicStar723]

That is the toughest thing I think when becoming a Christian. God will give you new friends and provide for you. Just show them how happy you are being the way you are by your actions and the way you talk. Do not try to push religion on them and pray! I am praying for you and your friends.