Cultivate Meaningful Relationships with Non-Christians

Start thinking of non-Christians you know, even though you may have no meaningful contact with them. Then, considering a few at a time, and think of ways you can cultivate a meaningful relationship with each one. Be realistic. You don’t have little if any time to give, so forget about taking time out of your schedule. Instead consider ways to work them into your schedule. A Friday night ball game at a local high school could be just as easily enjoyed with the company of an unbeliever. A non-Christian homemaker might welcome a ride to the mall. Bear in mind that even an hour together now might lead to an afternoon together later—and a superb opportunity to explain the grace of God proven on the cross.

Do you like to play tennis? Play it with a non-Christian. A man who was led to Christ by a friend on the tennis court once said, “The good news is that I was led to Christ; the bad news is my tennis game is messed up.” When asked the obvious question, “Why?” He replied, “The man God used to get me thinking about spiritual things prefers to play tennis with unbelievers, so I’ll have to find a new tennis partner!” The new believer respected his friend for that. He said, “I understand. Frankly, I’d like to see him play tennis with as many non-Christians as possible, so he can have the impact on them that he had on me.”