The best way to respond to an argumentative friend, especially when it comes to your faith, it to give the most unlikely, unexpected response: LOVE and RESPECT. You can practically do this, through:
- responding with gentle words
- keeping a respectful tone
- showing loving actions
- commit to private prayer
Jesus commands us to love God and love others:
Matthew 22:36-40
36“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37Jesus replied: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
When a person wants to argue about religion, really they are crying out for answers to deeper questions. They are searching for significance and trying to remove any doubt of their beliefs from their life. More often than not, they aren’t trying to prove you wrong, but rather prove themselves right.
Instead of arguing back, answer their deeper questions with your friendship. Show them you love them enough to not argue, and to not change them by peer pressure and a fancy display of your intelligence. Show that you are willing to stick with them, even though you have different beliefs, assuming they are not influencing you negatively. Healthy boundaries are always a good practice with non-believers.
If a non-Christian wants to sit down and examine the Scriptures with you, go for it. But remember to pray up for that time together, seek wise counsel for answers and guidance in how to respond, and do so with the motivation to love.
