Peer that is a Bad Influence

[linuxology]

I have grown close to an individual whom I work with. He and I have the same hobbies and likes. He has issues of his own and I felt like maybe it was my job to help him out in his trials. As time went on we started hanging out and drinking together. To say the least we have drank in excess numerous times. I am a practical Roman Catholic and he is not really a Christian, though he may claim to be (not sure?). I am easily tempted in certain sins and he is not helping them any. Also certain sins lead to others and its a domino effect. Has anyone been in this situation and if so can you help me in any way. Should I just avoid him? What should I do, since I am incapable of converting him, though I am not a good role model.

 

[Contra_Mundum_1]

I think this guy wants a drinking buddy. I don’t think this is a good basis for a friendship, especially since you end up in occasion of sin. Pray for him but keep your distance since he is not a positive influence in your life.

 

[Trishie]

I think you’d be kidding yourself if you continue to go out with him socially. You’re not going to convert him or heal his issues as he accepts you as being like-minded with drinking and living according to secular principles as well as sharing other interests. He already has no reason to believe otherwise. Play with fire and you will get burned. However are you going to be strong minded enough not to weaken and go out with him drinking again? You really do need to take a stand on this, because clearly from your comments you don’t trust yourself.
It’s good that you recognise the problem. God bless you.

 

[greenmoira]

How about a different take on this! You have some experience with this friend that has ended in an occasion of sin. You also stated that you have other common interests. Why not explain that the drinking scene is not good for you; that is an occasion of sin and you must therefore avoid it. But you would like to continue your friendship with him. If he really is a friend, he will not want to cause you to sin. You may end up actually being able to evangelize! BUT you absolutely must end the drinking scene with him!!!

 

[linuxology]

How about a different take on this! You have some experience with this friend that has ended in an occasion of sin. You also stated that you have other common interests. Why not explain that the drinking scene is not good for you; that is an occasion of sin and you must therefore avoid it. But you would like to continue your friendship with him. If he really is a friend, he will not want to cause you to sin. You may end up actually being able to evangelize! BUT you absolutely must end the drinking scene with him!!!

Yes this would be ok, but I am not able to avoid the occasions of multiple sins when I hang with this guy. I have tried to change him, but unfortunately I know he is changing me. I am not doing the right things and he is not helping me. I have prayed about it and feel like he needs to be out of my life. I know the truth and I do not always do the right thing, but I want to change my life and become a more spiritual person. He is hindering my spiritual being as I am weak and give in to temptations easily. For me the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. How do you avoid a person especially one you work with. I hate to be mean. Any guidance ? Any more advice would be appreciated.

Weird occurrence (We have hung out one other time since this )
One day he called that he was coming over and I prayed that no demons or devils enter my house and I sprayed holy water on the floor mats to all the outside door entrances. He never showed. He did not even call.

 

[m134e5]

Sometimes, unfortunately, people who sincerely want the best for each other (or at least one wants the best for the other) are easily tempted by each other to sin. Sometimes, the best you can do for such a person is end the relationship. pray for them- they need it (and God did allow you to meet him for a reason- if only because he needs your prayers). Who knows? Maybe years from now both of you will be in very different places spiritually and a friendship could work- but don’t count on it. It’s important to make sure God is the center of all your relationships- let Him guide you in forming healthy relationships with others. God fulfills us- friendships with other people help a lot, but it is only in loving and serving God that we find true happiness.

 

[linuxology]

As I was doing my prayer time tonight. I opened the book My Daily Bread and it opened on Chapter 93 “Human Friendship”

And I quote:
Think:
All true friendship must be based on virtue and loyalty to Christ. Unless I am helping my friends in some way to live a better life, I am not a true friend. So, too, people who are not helping me become a better person, are not real friends of mine, but useless acquaintances. Anyone who brings me closer to sin by his works or ways, is an enemy in spite of any good intentions which he may profess.

Is this the spirit talking to me? Also a good prayer in chapter 93 regarding this subject matter.

 

[JJ1989]

True friendship accepts differring views. If he can accept you dont wanna go to bars then it seems ok.

You can still be friends if he respects the boundaries (maybe he shouldnt get into the conversations of his wild nights with you).