Friendship opens door to faith

Sometimes we are afraid to talk about our faith with our non-believing friends, or invite them to read the Bible together, but we can be surprised.

author

Christine Lemaire
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Gabriele, who works with OM in Italy, was afraid to compromise his friendship or create discomfort with his friends.

Gabriele and Claudio have known each other for many years. Gabriele said: “Claudio is a friend of a girl who was baptised in my church when he was still a teenager. Claudio has always shown curiosity and sympathy towards the context of our community, demonstrating esteem for our faith, even if he has never expressed the desire to deepen it personally.” 

The friendship grew, and when Claudio got engaged to Francesca a few years ago, the relationship changed. Francesca, a sunny and sociable girl, began to attend church with Claudio. “I was afraid to compromise our friendship,” Gabriele admitted, "but the love for my friends and the desire that they will also know the Lord, gave me the courage."

During a dinner for the birthday of a mutual friend, Gabriele asked Claudio: “What do you think about starting to read the Bible together?” His fear of compromising their friendship or creating discomfort proved unfounded, as the proposal was greeted with a sincere smile full of enthusiasm. 

Gabriele is happy to have taken this step of faith and trusts that the Lord will use it, praying every day that his friend may experience a true encounter with the living God, through the truths of His word. “I trust that the Holy Spirit will speak to him,” he said.

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