1 Corinthians 9:22-23
When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.
This topic can get really deep, but I’m going to make it short and sweet. Christians hanging out with other Christians is great, for many reasons. It helps build accountability partners. It provides you with friends who will give you biblical advice and have similar morals. It’s easy for us to hang out with other Christians. Why? Because Christians have a common ground with one another: Christ. How can we lead others to Christ if we don’t build relationships with “non-Christians”?
No matter what, Christians have somewhat of a connection to this secular world. We live in it, work in it, raise our kids in it, and do life with one another in it. Where Christians tend to falter is building relationships with those who don’t believe in Jesus. The verse above says to “…find common ground with everyone…” not just those who believe in Jesus. How do we do this? Loving others, just as Christ loves us. Despite race, sexual orientation, culture, and religion, Christians should love one another. This doesn’t mean you agree with their beliefs; that’s not what I’m saying. (Remember, it’s not our job with judge others).
Here’s an example- you have a co-worker you’re close with at work who loves Starbucks just as much as you do. Maybe, make a coffee date with that person. Ask if you could pray for them. Look for opportunities to tell them about Christ. Slow and steady is more effective, in my opinion. When you have friendship as a foundation, it is easier to bring them to Christ. They’re more apt to listening to you. I personally think it’s more difficult to start a relationship with a non-Christian if you’re trying to make Christ your common ground.
Am I asking you to shove Jesus down everyone’s throat? No. Am I saying to go to a strip club with a non-Christian to build their relationship with Jesus? No. That would be ridiculous. I’m saying to find a common ground with the non-Christians in your life, love them, and support them. Let Jesus’s light shine through the way you live, and they will notice. I want to end with one of my favorite verses:
faithful living 