This question touches the very heart of our calling as followers of Jesus

[Mary Naeem]

How can young people have a positive influence on their non-believers without compromising their faith?

This question touches the very heart of our calling as followers of Jesus. We are called to be “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14), shining the love of Christ into the lives of those around us, including our non-believing friends. Yet we must do so without dimming our own light or compromising the truth of the Gospel. Let us reflect on how we might achieve this delicate balance.

We must remember that our primary influence comes not from our words alone, but from the witness of our lives. Saint Francis of Assisi wisely said, “Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words.” The most powerful testimony we can offer is a life lived in authentic relationship with Christ, marked by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

To have a positive impact, we must first cultivate a deep relationship with God through prayer, Scripture, and participation in the sacraments. This spiritual foundation will give us the wisdom and strength to navigate difficult situations and conversations with grace.

In our interactions with non-believing friends, let us treat them with genuine love and respect. Show interest in their lives, their joys, and their struggles. Let us listen with interest and empathy. By doing so, we create an atmosphere of trust and openness where deeper conversations about faith can naturally arise.

When opportunities arise to share our faith, let us do so with gentleness and respect, as Saint Peter advises (1 Peter 3:15-16). Share your personal experiences of God’s love and how your faith has positively impacted your life. Be prepared to answer questions honestly, but also be humble enough to admit when you don’t have all the answers.

It’s important to remember that our role is to plant seeds and water them, but it is God who gives the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). We should not feel pressured to convert our friends, but rather to consistently demonstrate Christ’s love and allow the Holy Spirit to work in His own time and way.

At the same time, we must be clear about our own beliefs and values. This doesn’t mean being judgmental or confrontational, but rather being authentic about who we are and what we believe. When invited to participate in activities that go against our conscience, we can respectfully decline while suggesting alternative ways to spend time together.

Here are some practical suggestions for being a positive influence:

Pray regularly for your non-believing friends, asking God to work in their lives and give you wisdom in your dealings.
Look for opportunities to serve and support your friends in practical ways, demonstrating Christ’s love through action.
Share stories of how your faith has helped you navigate life’s challenges, but do so naturally and when appropriate.
Invite friends to church events or service projects that may interest them, without pressure or expectation.
Be patient and persistent in your friendships, recognizing that spiritual journeys often take time.
Seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in your interactions and be open to His direction.

Remember that being a positive influence doesn't mean being perfect. Be honest about your struggles and shortcomings. This vulnerability can make your faith more relatable and authentic to your friends.

Lastly, always keep in mind the words of Saint Paul: “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:5-6).

By living out our faith with integrity, love, and wisdom, we can be a positive influence on our non-believing friends without compromising our own faith. Trust in the power of God’s love working through you, and may your friendships be a beautiful testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel.