How do I stop feeling guilty for my Atheistic friends?

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mystary

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I feel so guilty and sad over my pre-Christian friends who have all labeled themselves as Atheists and Agnostics, and it’s the most overwhelming and painful feeling. I have this unhealthy, motherly urge to want to “save” everyone, whether they want to be saved or not. Oftentimes it’s not just regarding religion either. It can be something like depression, or loneliness. I just want to throw myself into their pain to take their place. I know that’s not my job though.

The worst pain is one of my ex-Christian friends, who disregards hell as a terrible place and thinks he’d be much happier there rather than in Heaven if it is “real.” He has a mindset that God is an evil tyrant, and, despite all I say in defense about His perfect love, he refutes the very idea of His selflessness. My biggest problem, I suppose, is that I am so upset that he feels this way. It hurts so terribly because I don’t want him to feel hatred and resentment for God; rather, I want him to experience the overwhelming joy and relief you receive from offering your troubles and pains to Jesus.

I guess what I’m trying to say is, how will I ever be able to feel relief from this burden? He’s in my prayers every night in constant hope he finds peace. I honestly don’t know what to do.
 
You have nothing to be guilty for.
You made your case, he made his.
Don’t hound him or obsess over it.

You’re coming from a good place, BTW, don’t lose your caring nature .

But let him work this out—if he does, and becomes a Christian, he will own his relationship to God and be all the stronger for it.

ATM, only bring up religion if he does 🙂
 
Thank you. I never bring up my religion because it’s such a touchy topic and he’s always the one to come to me with questions and whatnot.
 
In that case, stick to the question, keep your answer as simple as you can, and don’t let him see you “sweat” (ie, stay as unemotional as you can).
 
mystary said:
Thank you. I never bring up my religion because it’s such a touchy topic and he’s always the one to come to me with questions and whatnot.
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If he is asking you questions, he is probably questioning whether he made the right decision or not. I think you are good in trying to help navigate him through any questions he may have, but you should not beat yourself up for any decision he makes.
 
I have many Atheist friends, anda handful of ex-friend atheists. (to be clear, they cut me out of their life, not the other way around.)

At the end of the day, all you can really do is be friends with them, and pray for them. You are not responsible for their souls, that’s between them and God. Answer truthfully when a question is asked, and don’t be ashamed of your faith. Caring for them is great, but the best way you can care for them now is to pray.
 
Don’t fell guilty. You have planted the seed by making your point. I have the same urge you do,particularly with my parents who are not Catholic. Keep praying for him,that may help him to achieve salvation. God bless you!
 
We cannot convert anyone. Only the Holy Spirit can move them to the truth. Pray.
 
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