What to say to one who says

[I_thirst_4_YOU]

My friend is always telling me not to tell him how to live his life. He is a fallen away Catholic and very secular. Live my life the way i want to type of thing.

What is the best way for me to approach his common statement of “don’t tell me how to live my life.”

 

[maendem]

I thirst 4 YOU!:

My friend is always telling me not to tell him how to live his life. He is a fallen away Catholic and very secular. Live my life the way i want to type of thing.

What is the best way for me to approach his common statement of “don’t tell me how to live my life.”

Well, he’s quite right - you certainly CAN’T tell him how to live his life. A good friend will be a strong witness to God’s love and truth in his or her life, and attest to it with confidence and conviction when asked. The way you live your life should itself attest to your values and beliefs.

At the same time, no true friend would judge or pontificate about another friend’s lifestyle (not that you’re doing this). Obviously, he knows what you think of his life choices. If and when your friend’s heart is open, he will ask your advice or opinions. Otherwise, let your silent witness do the "talking"and the attracting.

 

[threej_lc]

Don’t tell him how to live his life. Show him how to live his life. Love him back to Christ!

…And keep a healthy distance between you and anything unGodly.

Josh

 

[Robert_in_SD]

threej_lc:

Don’t tell him how to live his life. Show him how to live his life. Love him back to Christ!

…And keep a healthy distance between you and anything unGodly.

Josh

This is excellent advice!

 

[On_my_way]

How does that saying go, “preach the gospel and sometimes use words.” I love that one.

 

[stbruno]

I stumbled upon a wonderful website called oncecatholic.org. It is worth checking out and maybe you can use some of the resources on it or even get involved in the active discussions in progress. It is offered through AmericanCatholic.org
Keep living your faith and it may become a beacon for him, drawing him back to the faith, and the seed once planted there may flourish. God works mysteriously…our job is to be his hands and feet here now as we work the fields of his kingdom.

 

[Christy_Beth]

I know from personal experience that living a Godly life, and “loving” someone back to God works. While in the Army, I had a homosexual roommate. She had grown up in a christian home. But, from the way she described it, the gospel was “shoved” down her throat. A perfect way to turn people off. She knew, of course, that I was (and still am!) a christian. And she knew that I didn’t approve of her life style. That didn’t need discussion.

Well, we both ended up being stationed in Germany, not far from each other. Before I left, I had the pleasure of seeing her return to the Lord. One day, in chapel, she even stood up to say she thanked God for allowning her to meet me!! What a testimony! To know that my life showed my beliefs. Of course, there’s been times since then that I failed. But to know that God can use even my crummy life is awesome.