Is it okay to be best friends with someone who isn't a Christian?
"A friend loves at all times. He is there to help when trouble comes" (Proverbs 17:17).
"Don’t be a friend with anyone who burns with anger. Don’t go around with a person who gets angry easily. You might learn his habits. And then you will be trapped by them" (Proverbs 22:24–25).
It’s important that we choose friends who will be a good example to us—whether Christian or non-Christian.There are different levels of friendship. There is a casual "hi" to someone you in your class at school or someone in your neighborhood. There may be someone you walk home with after school. Then there is a person with whom you spend time with doing different things and going to different places—someone you consider your best friend.
It’s possible to have a best friend who is not a Christian as long as the person has good moral and family values. You may have an opportunity to share with that friend about the love of Jesus. But if that friend begins to influence you to not obey Jesus in your thoughts and the things you do or places you go, then you should spend less time with that person.
You should also talk to your parents about your friends. They will probably have some good advice for you and will pray for you. Be wise when you choose your friends! Let Jesus be your best friend (John 15:15), and ask for His help to choose good friends (James 1:5). You will be glad you did. He always knows best!
