I also think that it’s not only important to give your close friends verbal “permission” or an “invitation” for that kind of support, but to let them know if there is something that you NEED it in. I think that a lot of times the way we do this goes something like, “Oh geez, I’ve been trying to clean up my mouth. You know me though!” I think this sort of acknowledgment is important to pay attention to. It opens the doors of dealing with smaller issues that your friend already knows they have to larger issues that they are dealing with, whether knowledgeably or blindly.

I also think, based on a particular experience I’ve had, that admonishing a nonChristian friend who you’re close to can be really good for that relationship. Even if, as it did in my case, it leads to a month of noncommunication–if the friendship is considered valuable by both parties (something to be carefully considered), THIS kind of admonishment goes a long way in showing God’s love to someone–the sort of, “even though she doesn’t at ALL agree with what I’m doing, she still loves me, still wants to be my friend” sort of acceptance that I think is really important for the world to experience, as it’s just a tiny glimpse of the way God loves us. And hopefully, like my friend and I did, you’ll come to a place of better understanding of each other and be that much closer.