Making disciples is different from making friends.

I know you disagree. You’re convinced that a relationship with Jesus requires friendship with a Christian. Lost people can’t fall in love with Jesus unless they first fall in love with us.

At the same time, you’re worried that I’m going to prevent one of those lost people from following Jesus. My irreverent tone will obscure the radiant goodness of Christ. You think me capable of thwarting God’s plan to add some lost sheep to His flock. It hasn’t occurred to you that any plans I destroy cannot be the plans of Almighty God.

I’m not a Christian because I need friends. I’m a Christian because I need a Savior. Without Christ, the church is just another gathering of people. Membership in a church isn’t much different than membership in a bowling league. I can make friends either place.

I’m NOT a Christian because Christians are great people. It’s not the compassion of church people that keeps me in the church.

“John, you jerk! Your witness is important!!!! Your BEHAVIOR REFLECTS YOUR BELIEFS!!!!”

I agree. I believe my friendship won’t remove anyone’s sin and I shouldn’t pretend that being buddies with me is taking a small step toward God. I truly believe it is wrong to forge relationships with sinners solely for the purpose of proselytizing them. It is right to treat everyone as I want to be treated without showing favoritism to the people I think ‘really need to know Jesus.’ I hope my behavior reflects these beliefs.

Since my inclusion in God’s family, I’ve been blessed with a lot of Christian friends. That’s the proper order. Repent and follow Christ BEFORE building a friendship.

(1 John 1:6) If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.