How should I treat people?

[livingoutloud]

In the bible it may say to stay away from evil people, but Jesus ate with tax collectors and sinners and loved them. There are some people at my school who do bad things (fornification, drugs, alcohol, ect.) Some people who do bad things I really like to talk to. I have fun and laugh having conversations with them. I think this is good for me and them. My question is what should I do? Should I avoid people who do bad things even if I will not adopt their lifestyle? I think it is good for them to have a friend who doesn’t have self-destructive habits. Of course, it is good to love them.

 

[Matas]

Treat people like you “know” that you will run into them at the next Mass. Treat them like you are going to end up sitting right next to them, and exchange the Sign of Peace during Mass. Go on as you are doing, but be strong and keep your Faith close.

 

[onmywayagain]

Simple. Hate the sin not the sinner. If you follow that then everything will be just fine. I have a lot peolple in my life who have done bad things, including myself. I may not like the things that they do, but I still love them. The best thing for you to do is talk to them. Let them know that what they are doing will only hurt them and hurt the one’s who care for them. Be there for your friends.

If you look at the tax collectors and sinners. Who said they were bad people? Jesus or the Pharisees. Jesus did not look at them as bad people, because he knew the Pharisees were worse. There is nothing worse then a person who thinks they are better then the next. That is what Jesus was trying to get across in this parable.

Love your friends and pray for them.

 

[saint_damo]

what a great question and great answers:thumbsup:
for my two cents worth i would just say treat them like you would want to be treated and if you want to attract them to a healthier way of life try not to preach but just be yourself, there is nothing more attractive than someone who is comfortable with who they are and are what they seem to be

 

[NewUlm1976_2000]

Treat them with love and respect, as you yourself would expect to be treated. It can be hard at times but I always strive towards that goal.

 

[Spirithound]

In the bible it may say to stay away from evil people, but Jesus ate with tax collectors and sinners and loved them. There are some people at my school who do bad things (fornication, drugs, alcohol, ect.) Some people who do bad things I really like to talk to. I have fun and laugh having conversations with them. I think this is good for me and them. My question is what should I do? Should I avoid people who do bad things even if I will not adopt their lifestyle? I think it is good for them to have a friend who doesn’t have self-destructive habits. Of course, it is good to love them.

Jesus ate with the tax collectors and other sinners, and then He led them to God. Being around these people will present temptations to you. Participate in the sacraments, Mass at least once a week, Holy Eucharist, Confession, and get prayed up. Examine your motives for wanting to be around these people. Basically what I’m saying is go for it, be their friend, but be vigilant.

 

[RenaissanceMare]

I think as long as they do not cause you to stumble in your faith, being friends with people who are less then perfect (which is, like, all of us) is a great act of love. Back when I was unstable in my faith, I worked for a couple who were devout Christians. I didn’t realize how much influence they had had on me until I came back to the Faith. Then there was such a positive example that it helped me want to live in Faith. And you might become that kind of example to your friends with issues.