Help! Friend with schizophrenia

[Lars]

I have a friend with schizophrenia that says he's a Christian but i'm really starting to doubt it. He shows very little fruit and only goes to church about once a month or so. I have to call him all the time he never calls me except when he returns my calls. He's not involved in church and just stays at home and plays video games all the time. He tells me that it's hard to be around people. He does have a job but its only part-time. He says he trust Jesus as his Lord and Saviour and that he's trying his best but I just dont see it. He's fearful of everything and the Lord has not given us a spirit of fear. He's lazy and has no motivation or ambition and says that this is because of his illness. He says that schizophrenia could happen to anyone and that its an illness just like cancer or diabetes. But come on cancer and diabetes dont make someone act like this! I'm starting to think I should break off all contact with this individual per what Paul says in 1st corinthians. The sad part is that he used to be a really good guy until this schizophrenia. Honestly I just think the devils got a hold of him. :nod

What would you do?

[allforHim]

I understand your concern for your friend Lars. I have a friend who is bi-polar and I have the same problems with her. She gave her life to the Lord 3 years ago after years of witnessing to her. I believe she is a Christian but her illness stops her walking with the Lord properly.She goes to church and reads her bible when her moods are under control, but if shes high, she doesnt. Its not so bad when shes low as it makes her draw closer to God for support.Its when shes high that she says she doesnt need God and only goes to church to please me. Now I know this isnt true as she really loves church when her bi-polar is controlled, its just her illness talking.When shes high she will even mock the church but apologises when she ok. I know shes saved and can only pray that the Lord may heal her of this illness so she can worship him constantly. Keep praying for your friend as I am doing with mine. God is able!

[Big Daddy]

I am praying for you and him.

[comicnurse]

Mental illness is a very mean disease. He may find church stressful. Especially if he is hearing voices or seeing things he knows aren't there. Sometimes a lot of people- crowds, can intensify the problems.
Be patient with him. Maybe you could bring church to him? Share the bulletin and lesson taught that day.

Kendra

[roadrunner570]

Mental illness is a very mean disease. He may find church stressful. Especially if he is hearing voices or seeing things he knows aren't there. Sometimes a lot of people- crowds, can intensify the problems.
Be patient with him. Maybe you could bring church to him? Share the bulletin and lesson taught that day.

Kendra

Great post here. Mental illness is just that, a mental illness. Cancer and diabetes don't make you act that way because they affect different organs. Mental illness affects the brain. Most schizophrenics I've worked with are very isolative and have lots of social anxieties. Kendra makes a good point.

Why not go to see him and pray and have bible study with him? He is not the type of person Paul said to break fellowship with. He sounds more like the "least of these" Jesus talked about in Matthew 25.