Dealing with Lukewarm friends
Can I be honest…my heart be breaking sometimes because I have friends that are believers but refuse to give it all to the Lord & it can be annoying sometimes.
Now don’t get me wrong I know I’m not perfect and am a sinner just the same. At the same time I submit all parts of myself to the Lord. It hurts when I ask them if they prayed on something and they say no. Like, friend- you know where your help comes from…why are you not drinking from the well that never runs dry.
Of course I pray for them, and for myself that I might not fall into self righteousness, or being one that pounds the law down their throat. And it’s hard hearing them be in pain when they are the ones that put themselves in the situation by operating on their own accord and not under the direction of our father..
Okay, rant over. Have a great night, lovely lemons ❤️
When I first shared my heart about dealing with 'lukewarm friends,' it was truly a moment of raw honesty. That ache you feel when you see someone you care about, who knows the truth of God's love and power, still choose to operate outside of His direction... it's a unique kind of pain. It makes you wonder, 'Why aren't they drawing from the well that never runs dry?' And just like the powerful verse from James 4:17 reminds us, 'IF ANYONE, THEN, KNOWS THE GOOD THEY OUGHT TO DO & DOESN'T DO IT, IT IS SIN FOR THEM.' This really hits home when you're watching friends struggle because they're not fully embracing the faith they profess. I've learned that this isn't just about their journey; it's also about mine. It's a constant challenge to pray for them without judgment, to ask God to move in their hearts, and to be a consistent example of His love myself. It's easy to fall into self-righteousness, to think 'I know better,' but that's not what God calls us to. Instead, I try to remember that everyone's path is different, and the Holy Spirit works in His own timing. So, what can we do when we find ourselves in this situation? Beyond prayer (which is always our most powerful tool!), I've found it helpful to: Examine my own heart: Am I truly walking worthy of the calling, or am I also 'lukewarm' in other areas? It's a good mirror for self-reflection. Pray specifically: Instead of just general prayers, I pray for clarity for them, for conviction, for circumstances that draw them closer to God, and for their eyes to be opened to His unfailing provision. Be a consistent light: Sometimes, the best sermon is a life lived authentically for Christ. Let your actions, your peace, and your joy speak volumes without needing to preach. Maintain healthy boundaries: While we love our friends, we also need to protect our own spiritual health. If a friendship is consistently pulling you away from God or draining your spirit without any spiritual reciprocity, it might be time to re-evaluate the depth of that relationship. This doesn't mean abandonment, but perhaps a shift in expectations or how much spiritual investment you make. Seek wise counsel: Talking to a trusted mentor or spiritual leader can provide perspective and guidance on how to navigate these delicate friendships, offering support and wisdom you might not have alone. It's a journey of patience, grace, and unwavering faith, not just for them, but for us too. We're called to love, even when it's hard, and to trust that God is at work, even when we don't see immediate changes. Keep pouring into that well yourself, and trust that your consistent witness matters more than you know.
