tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-936438186673617301.post1729935370133078157..comments2023-06-12T08:25:34.887-04:00Comments on Stairstep boys: My Friend the AtheistKarenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14772596888093079960noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-936438186673617301.post-34829137855792719722011-04-06T20:18:29.206-04:002011-04-06T20:18:29.206-04:00Wow, there are some fine replies from the ladies a...Wow, there are some fine replies from the ladies above! I'll be taking some of their advice to heart as I battle this same issue on FB with my own brother. I, too, have purged a large portion of said "friends" that were merely acquaintances. It has become very important to me that my relationships are healthy and uplifting, especially in such a setting as Facebook. After all, these are the ones I would choose to spend time with in person. I truly believe God will work through me in these circumstances as....the battle belongs to HIM! I'll pray for discernment as you encounter this issue. Thank you for sharing, along with the others who left comments, I have been encouraged!The Mamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10055408337681361867noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-936438186673617301.post-29572346922668510702011-04-02T23:37:49.872-04:002011-04-02T23:37:49.872-04:00Everyone does have to believe in something. Some ...Everyone does have to believe in something. Some people just choose nothing. I've noticed in my life that some of the most evangelical people I know are atheists. <br /><br />I try not to engage people when they get like this. They are looking for fuel for their fire. For someone to poke at and make fun of while they 'prove' to themselves and their friends that they are right. It comes from a place of insecurity. If they were secure and confident in their beliefs they wouldn't need to lash out at others. I've met some pretty cool atheists who didn't try to convert me. We had wonderful discussions and there wasn't any anger. <br /><br />Of course in the end we all want to introduce Jesus to people. It's so amazing to have faith and be given the gift of grace that you can't help but share it. Keep praying for this friend. They aren't secure in their beliefs and are desperate for something. I hope they find Jesus and the peace they so desperately need. <br /><br />God Bless and good luck in this challenging circumstance!Beckyhttp://ministrytomotherhood.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-936438186673617301.post-58444956148840992502011-04-01T21:19:20.442-04:002011-04-01T21:19:20.442-04:00I did the same thing as Ali with several FB friend...I did the same thing as Ali with several FB friends. I found myself developing an attitude towards them, and it was not one of grace. And like she said, I don't want to spend time with them so why were we "friends"?Barbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13222556549433673988noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-936438186673617301.post-80673404202821075792011-04-01T20:52:26.118-04:002011-04-01T20:52:26.118-04:00I can tell you what I did, although I'm not su...I can tell you what I did, although I'm not sure if it was the right thing or not...I purged my FB of 80 "friends". Basically acquaintances just like the one you wrote about. I deleted the people I wouldn't grab a coffee with...because why should I be subject to their thoughts online (which are very real) if I wasn't wanting it in person. And I love the Beth Moore quote too =) Best Wishes to you.Alihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12905973687434490503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-936438186673617301.post-40496690151418874372011-04-01T19:19:40.396-04:002011-04-01T19:19:40.396-04:00I think you would love this book, written by one o...I think you would love this book, written by one of our pastors. He talks about how faith is not logical or reasonable. It wouldn't be faith if it were; if we could figure it all out like some natural law. And we know God doesn't need us to defend Him or His Word, we just need to believe whether we understand or not (that reminds me of the old song - "I don't need to understand, I just need to hold His hand")<br /><br />http://www.amazon.com/No-Argument-God-Beyond-Conversations/dp/0830834206 <br /><br />Just keep shining and believing...God will use you wherever He sees fit, maybe even with that unbelieving friend.<br /><br />Barb :)Barbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13222556549433673988noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-936438186673617301.post-86089791810336736862011-04-01T18:03:19.231-04:002011-04-01T18:03:19.231-04:00I have a few athiest friends from hs, I tend to ju...I have a few athiest friends from hs, I tend to just ignore their "religious" posts as they ignore mine. I've learned that when there is any contention, the Spirit cannot be there. And since it is the Spirit which testifies of Christ I know there is little my words can do at those times. I think FB is especially volatile.<br />I hear you about feeling defensive though. It's hard to know when to be quiet and when to speak up and defend Him. I have no good advice, I like the Beth Moore quote above :)Mrs. Small Househttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02682127260608971252noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-936438186673617301.post-3601514793122501162011-04-01T15:09:46.313-04:002011-04-01T15:09:46.313-04:00This is a tough one, Karen. I find myself in the ...This is a tough one, Karen. I find myself in the same situation when I read friends' statuses on FB sometimes. So far, I've stayed out it, but I wonder if I'm chickening out or not. When I've "watched" FB debates from the sidelines, I always have great respect for the person who puts their perspective out there in a polite and respectful way and then doesn't respond to rebuttals. They offer their opinion and then let it go- planting a seed and letting God to the rest without having to defend themselves. I think it was Beth Moore who I heard say one time that it is not OUR job to prove that God exists- the earth itself screams His existence- but it's others' jobs to prove that He doesn't. I'm not sure if this helps, but these are my thoughts. Just know you're not alone on the whole what-to-do-on-FB issue. :-)You Can Call Me Janehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09086179213614605103noreply@blogger.com