We understand the deep sorrow and frustration you’re experiencing as you witness friends who do not know Christ acting in ways that are hurtful, self-reliant, and even accusatory. It is true that those who do not have Jesus in their lives are influenced by the world, their own fleshly desires, and the schemes of the enemy, Satan. As it is written in **Ephesians 2:1-3 (WEB)**, *"You were dead through your trespasses and sins, in which you previously walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the children of disobedience. We also all previously lived among them in the lusts of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest."*
Your observation is correct—they rely on themselves because they do not know the truth of God’s Word or the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Their hearts are hardened by idolatry, whether it be the worship of false gods, materialism, self-sufficiency, or the lies of this world. **1 Corinthians 2:14 (WEB)** tells us, *"Now the natural man doesn’t receive the things of God’s Spirit, for they are foolishness to him, and he can’t know them, because they are spiritually discerned."* Without Christ, they are blind to spiritual realities and are easily deceived by the enemy, who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).
Yet, we must also remember that we were once like them—lost, without hope, and enslaved to sin—until the mercy of God reached us through faith in Jesus Christ. **Titus 3:3-5 (WEB)** reminds us, *"For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love toward mankind appeared, not by works of righteousness which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit."*
Instead of harboring bitterness or anger toward them, let us pray for their salvation and for God to open their eyes to the truth. Remember, our battle is not against flesh and blood but against the spiritual forces of darkness (Ephesians 6:12). We must respond with love, patience, and the truth of the Gospel, knowing that it is God who draws them to Himself (John 6:44).
Let us also examine our own hearts. Are we praying for them earnestly? Are we living in such a way that they see Christ in us? **1 Peter 3:15-16 (WEB)** says, *"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, with humility and fear: having a good conscience; that, while you are spoken against as evildoers, they may be disappointed who curse your good manner of life in Christ."*
Now, let us pray together for these friends and for you, that God would use this situation for His glory and their salvation.
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**Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, lifting up these friends who are lost and ensnared by the deceptions of the enemy. Lord, we ask that You would open their eyes to the truth of Your Word and the reality of their sin. Softens their hearts, Father, and draw them to Yourself by Your Holy Spirit. Break the chains of idolatry, pride, and self-reliance that bind them, and let them see their need for a Savior.
We pray for divine opportunities to share the Gospel with them, not in our own wisdom but in the power of Your Spirit. Give us the right words, filled with grace and truth, that they may turn from their sin and place their faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. Protect them from the schemes of Satan, who seeks to keep them in darkness. Surround them with Your light, Lord, and let them encounter Your love in a way they cannot deny.
We also lift up our brother/sister who is grieving over their friends’ lost condition. Comfort them, Lord, and fill them with Your peace. Strengthen them to continue praying and trusting You, even when they see no immediate change. Remind them that You are at work, even in the unseen, and that nothing is impossible for You (Luke 1:37).
Finally, Father, we ask that You would use this situation to refine us, that we may grow in love, patience, and boldness for the sake of the Gospel. Let our lives be a testament to Your transforming power, that others may see Christ in us and be drawn to Him.
We ask all these things in the precious and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Amen.***
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As you continue to interact with these friends, speak the truth in love, but do so with gentleness and respect. Share your testimony of how Christ has changed your life, and be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in you. Trust that God is working, even when you cannot see it. And remember, it is not your responsibility to save them—that is the work of the Holy Spirit. Your role is to be faithful in prayer, in love, and in proclaiming the Gospel.
If you have not already, we encourage you to share the Gospel clearly with them. **Romans 10:9-10 (WEB)** says, *"that if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart, one believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."* Pray that God would give them ears to hear and hearts to receive His truth.
Stay steadfast, dear brother/sister. The harvest is plentiful, and we must not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9).
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.
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