Don't know where to start. Please help!

[RoseMeg451]

My boyfriend grew up in a home where religion of any kind was not allowed in the house. His family is from Tawain, so they have kind of the mindset of reincarnation. We’ve talked a little bit, and he told me that he does believe in God, but he sees Him more of a creator who steps back and watches, while still wanting the best for His creation. He also understands the value of believing in God and having a strong faith system.

I’ve really come to a point where I realized that if I do get married, it would have to be to a strong and faithful Catholic man. That being said, I would really love for that man to be my current boyfriend.
But regardless of our future together, he needs to know Jesus, he needs to go to Church and believe in God and put his trust in Him. But I don’t even know where to start, or what to say that would make him believe.
I’ve been inviting him to come to Church with me every Sunday, and he keeps saying, someday I will come. I kind of feel bad about even asking him sometimes because it stresses him out so much because he knows how important it is to me, but at the same time he feels uncomfortable coming.

Can someone help me? I would appreciate any advice!

 

[1ke]

You wrote,* “But regardless of our future together, he needs to know Jesus, he needs to go to Church and believe in God and put his trust in Him. But I don’t even know where to start, or what to say that would make him believe.”*

You can’t make him believe. You can’t make him want to go to Church. You’ve invited, he’s refused. You cannot change him.

What you can do is be a good example, and pray for him. God gives his grace freely, but it’s up to your friend to accept the grace and act on it.

You are wise to recognize the serious issue of dating a non-Catholic, let alone marrying one. I suggest you break romantic ties while you are still able to think straight. The longer things go on, the harder it will be.

 

[jmj259]

this proves to be a difficult situation this will only be a problem in the long run and can compromise ur marriage. if i could do it i proberly would have chosen differently. at times we have to put God first in all things including marriage or choosing a mate. continue to pray for him for his conversion otherwise i would seriously ponder this it will only bring hardship and struggle with ur faith i will keep u in my prayers

 

[Cari]

I’ve really come to a point where I realized that if I do get married, it would have to be to a strong and faithful Catholic man. That being said, I would really love for that man to be my current boyfriend.

You’re right- the Holy Spirit has led you to the understanding that if you’re called to the vocation of marriage, it needs to be with a faithful Catholic. Everything after that is the devil trying to tinker with that knowledge through pride.

he needs to know Jesus, he needs to go to Church and believe in God and put his trust in Him. But I don’t even know where to start, or what to say that would make him believe.

You can’t make him do anything, think anything, or believe anything. You can set an example of the Faith, you can answer questions he comes up with, but you cannot force him to do anything.

best of luck,
Cari

 

[YinYangMom]

“When God Writes Your Love Story” by Eric Ludy

Take the time to read it. It’s Christian, not Catholic, but my daughter ate it up and said it helped her relax about relationships while appreciate the ones she has been in for what they are since reading the book. She trusts in God for her future and no longer stresses or worries about who or when or why. She even thinks she may be called to be a nun now. She says the book would be even more powerful if it were Catholic-based because they could do so much with adoration and the Eucharist, but even without those, the book was most helpful.

Bottom line, you can’t change a person to fit your ideal. The ideal mate will be brought to you in God’s time, if it is His will, and chances are, he won’t be ‘your’ ideal. Ask several married people if they married the person they had been expecting to and I would venture most would say they were taken by surprise to find themselves so in love with a person they weren’t looking for.

 

[Fiona_S]

Im quite shocked!!

I do not believe in agressively teaching, I believe in teaching with love but surely it is our duty to show those we know the path to salvation!??

I belong to another forum called “inthepersuitofGod” its a mixed protestant and Cahtolic website but there is a thread under the prayers seciton called “please pray for my husband” it was started as an online diary by one of our members when she found Jesus and wanted to lead her husband to salvation… it may help you to read this.

God Bless

 

[gabangel]

I’ve really come to a point where I realized that if I do get married, it would have to be to a strong and faithful Catholic man. That being said, I would really love for that man to be my current boyfriend.

Can someone help me? I would appreciate any advice!

Pray for him and yourself for the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

I do think that your realization is the Holy Spirit speaking to you and you need to keep that in your heart and mind.