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NASB | John 1:17 For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 1:17 For the Law was given through Moses, but grace [the unearned, undeserved favor of God] and truth came through Jesus Christ. [Ex 20:1] |
Bible Question:
I have a girlfriend who says she is a Christian. I told her when we first met that I could not date her because she was not a christian. But, since she was 'after me', she retorted, "How do You know that I am not a christian? I was raised as a Baptist" So I thought I would give her a chance. We began to date, and now it has been two years. She has helped me much and I likewise, so we mainly get along good, but she does not act like a christian, such as she does not go to church with me as often as she should but has worldly excuses and complains about the sevice (during the service) when we go do to church together. (this can be embarrassing) She will not discuss much biblical issues with me either. I say she is going to church for the wrong reasons, and am about to break off with her. But I think that I would be doing more harm to God's Kingdom by not bringing her to church when able. My other thoughts are that the enemy is trying to keep me away from church and using her to do it. I have in fact missed more days since we have been together because of issues that surround her. She does seem to be growing spiritually, (albeit slightly) but sometimes she shows that there has been no progress made at all. Am I wrong for thinking this way? |
Bible Answer: Hi Keliy, First, There are ways to minister to her to see her blossom however the first thing you must do is to step back from the process and allow the Holy Spirit do do His work. God can and will transform her into the image of Christ if she has truly received Christ. Church and bible study are true benefits in our lives and are part of a healthy relationship with Christ however they cannot be pushed onto someone and they can become much more attractive to her but not by pushing. That will result in her rejecting both as they become more and more distasteful. They are a reminder that she is seen as not good enough to please someone. First you and then sadly God as well. Jesus Christ knows how to get to everyone's heart and He gives us clues also. For now unconditional love and acceptance (like He has for you) is the thing that will allow her to grow. Certainly Christ is doing things below the surface that you cannot see. If your focus could become what God is doing and what He is pleased with instead of what he is not doing, it would go a long way towards her freedom in Christ. It will take the Lord to reveal some of these to you. Don't get me wrong. This is not easy. I am not implying that you are harsh or unloving or judgemental. In fact it is obvious that you are in fact compassionate and caring. This a common ploy of the enemy and thank God He gives us strategy to defeat him. Second, Prayer is a powerful weapon in these matters. Again it relys the Holy Spirit to do things we cannot do. The first part of prayer being thanks giving. Thanks giving for everything that is good in her will go a long way to opening your eyes to what God is up to. If you look and act like Christ and if you carry the fragrance of His presence it will allow her to not fight back against what she perceives as not being accepted as she is. You can also bless her spirit with the prayer of Eph 3:14-21 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us,to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. I have much more that I would like to share and questions for you as well however I do not think the forum is the place for it as it is for study of the scriptures, not counseling. I am not clear how things work If it is appropriate to exchange email addresses perhaps someone can help us with that if you are interested. "Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you. Bless you Meta |