I have a friend who is a christian but who disagrees with me on some of those controversial things that christians sometimes disagree on. She keeps preaching at me and telling me how wrong I am. I don't say anything...I don't want to ague cuz I know it won't do any good. And...well, my question is. Is it right to tell another christian that how they believe is wrong over and over and over (in a rather demeaning way)? Isn't it okay to just embrace each other for the fact that we are both believers and then maybe discuss our differences in a nice friendly way? I should also mention that she's not only been "preaching" at me, she's been telling other people how wrong me and my church is and half of what she says isn't even true. I'm getting kind of frustrated and am not quite sure what to do. I am open to what she says, and if my Bible agrees with her then so will I, but her attitude is really getting to me. What would you do? Am I wrong?
Comments (3)
sigh...I do not think you are wrong. It is important to remain humble and try not to take offense. The truth is she may never hear you out and you may always always always be wrong in her eyes. The best thing you can do is pray for her, and pray for opportunity to share your heart on the subject...but like I said, you may never get it. I have been through many situations like this and most of the time I just have to come to the point where I am willing to be wrong in their eyes as long as the Lord knows my heart and I have done all I can do be respectful and humble toward that person. All I can say is it's hard.
I agree with quiet_strength. It's really hard when you are in such situations and sometimes you just need to step back and let that person have their way. I think as long as it's not messing with their walk then you should just let it go. If it does, then maybe you need to take some time to pray about the right way to approach it.
As a random person who doesn't know you, I can only offer general thoughts on the subject. But it's been my experience that the best person to talk to about a relationship issue is the person you're in the relationship with. Talk to her. Tell her you are hurt. She may be oblivious to the pain she is causing you. And if you can strengthen your trust level in the relationship by being open and honest, chances are you can search out this controversial issue together--face to face and not online, preferably. Even if you never agree, searching out the issue together will at least open your eyes to her point of view and vice versa.
I guess the bottom line is, how much do you value your friendship? If you value it highly, put in the extra effort. If you can stand to let this person go, then let what she's saying go too. Unless you're willing to expose your heart to her, you can't expect her to know what you're feeling.