Can Christians Be Friends with Nonbelievers
📖2 Corinthians 6:14
Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?
- This verse suggests that Christians should not form friendships with nonbelievers because the nonbelievers are considered wicked and in darkness, as they don’t believe in the Bible.
📖2 John 1:10-11
If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them, Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work.
- This verse refers to anyone, including Christians and non-Christians. If they do not bring the teachings of the Bible, Christians should not invite them into their homes or welcome them. If anyone does so, they are also considered part of the evil.
📖2 Thessalonians 3:14
Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed.
- In this verse, it instructs not to associate with those who do not believe in the Bible. The purpose is for non-believers to feel ashamed, either leading them to accept Christianity or continue feeling shame. It’s important to note that this verse applies not only to non-Christians but also to fellow Christians who don’t follow its teachings properly.
📖Matthew 10:11-14
Whatever town or village you enter, search there for some worthy person and stay at their house until you leave. As you enter the home, give it your greeting, If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you, If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.
- Matthew 10:11-14 instructs the disciples of Jesus that when entering a town or village, they should seek a worthy person’s house to stay. Upon entering, they are to offer a greeting. If the home is deserving, they should let their peace rest on it. However, if the home does not welcome or listen to their words, they are to leave that home or town and shake the dust off their feet. Though the context addresses the disciples, some interpret these verses as guidance for pastors or Christians. In this view, if they encounter resistance or lack of respect while sharing the message of the Bible, they should depart and shake off the dust. Why should they need to shake the dust? Isn’t it is a hateful act?
