Not Sure what to do !

[larryt]

When the enemy come in like a flood, our God will raise up a standard against them. keep in mind that if you are starting to break down the gates that cannot stand against us then the captives are about to be set free. Keep battering the gates of hell and they will not prevail. That is what the Lord said.

LT

[rejoicevermore]

Thomas I beleive, continue to Pray for him and try to ignore his insults.

The enemies do not like what you are doing. You have to continue to pray for your friend. Ask The Lord to teach you how to pray. I would use Psalms like 18, 35, 83. 109, 140 or how God leads. Those Psalms so powerful, and they are not against people but against the hosts of Hell. Be courageous. Blessings to you.

Jude 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

[UndecidedFrog]

Dear Thomas I beleive,

This is just my opinion. You don't have to accept it if you dislike it. DISCLAIMER: I am not a christian.

It is always disconcerting to discover that someone is being insulted for what they believe or don't believe. I am sorry for the situation in which you find yourself. If only I had the power to make it so that nobody would insult anyone because of their beliefs or non-beliefs, I would do so in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, people do as they please.

It seems to me that you and your friend are on different paths. If you value this friendship, I would do some reflecting as to what has changed in your relationship as AZ mentioned. If you can actually define what has changed, maybe you can decide if this change is caused on your side or his.

If it is on his side, you will need to consider if you can expand your definition of allowable "friend" behaviour to include his antics (e.g. telephoning you while he is having sex with his gf, I cannot imagine his gf would be too thrilled about that either). If it is on your side, and that his antics are due to a reaction to that change in you, you will need to evaluate if the change is something you value above your friendship.

Ultimately, you must remember that friendship is usually a two-way street. You influence him as much as he influences you.

Good luck,

UndecidedFrog

Edited October 4, 2004 by UndecidedFrog

[Shelby]

Thomas,

Welcome.

I have been there lately. I have recently had a conversation through IMing to my cousin. We have always been very close. Even though we live far apart, we have always picked up where we left off when I came to visit. REcently (Last Christmas) he "came out" as being gay. HE used to be "Super Republican" and all about Reaganomics etc. So we were chatting about the house that he and his boyfriend just bought. Discussing carpet types and colors. Then the conversation diverted. I asked him a rhetorical question if he was still "Super Republican". He said "not really" so I said something like, "well, we'll miss you!". Then he WENT OFF! He eventaully asked why, and I said one main reason was my Christian beliefs. And as soon as I said that, He called me awful names, called me a "Bible Thumper" and since I go to church and work for The Salvation Army, he told me, "Go beg for some money!". We haven't really spoken since. I think he has blocked me. He called me intolerant, etc.

Not 10 minutes earlier we were talking about a house he owns with his "boyfriend" and I was very nice. Ted knew where I stood ont hat issue, I didn't think it was something I needed to state over. I just wanted him to know that as always I still loved him despite his choices. REally, I was taken back. Because the minute I said I was a Christian he laid into me. Who was really intolerant?

I asked him why it was such a suprise? I am an ordained minister. His mom and dad came to my ordination. He has seen me in that capacity at my grandparents funerals. I don't know what changed, but He freaked. I think it is his guilty conscious. I love him, and always will. I was hurt deeply at his intolerance. I have been a Christian since I was 14. I have always been the "goodie goodie" in my family. (Not on purpose, a label given to me).

Long story I know, but I have never felt that so much until that happened. Also in the media. WE are always portrayed as some crazy judgemental freaks who are anal about rules etc. NOT EVEN!

MHO - And welcome!

[UndecidedFrog]

Dear Shelby,

This is just my opinion. You don't have to accept it if you dislike it. DISCLAIMER: I am not a christian.

If this relationship with your cousin is important to you, I would make sure he understands that you are not a

crazy judgemental freaks who are anal about rules etc.

I'm sure he will come around if he understands this.

Regards,

UndecidedFrog

[Catsmeow]

Jesus said that when you are persecuted for His sake, REJOICE! For great is your reward.

My friend, you should just do what Jesus says. REJOICE. Count it ALL joy! You are shoring up great blessing in heaven...as you help share the burden of the cross.

Blessed are you when men persecute you for my names' sake; rejoice and be glad...for great is your reward!!!!

Remember, Jesus said anyone who is persecuted for His name's sake, as you are being....will be blessed greatly. This is Jesus' words, not mine.

[LOVE SONGS]

Please continue to pray for your friends salvation........

Remember that ....in the word , it says we wrestle not againt flesh and blood.

Continue to love him as a friend.......

The word says .....

2 CORINTHIANS 6:14

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelivers .

For what fellowship has rightness with lawlessness?

And what communion has light with darkness?

LOVE and PEACE to everyone, :hug: