The answer
God has placed you in this delicate situation and blessed you with an opportunity to be a light in the life of someone who has lived in darkness her entire life. You have been a good friend to someone in need, which is an important characteristic of Christians. To this effect, St. Peter taught us the following principles to help guide and strengthen us when the blessing of evangelizing in Christ's Holy Name is presented to us:"And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. 'And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.' But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil" (1 Peter 3:13-17).
As believers and followers of Christ, we ought to imitate Him as much as we can. He walked for miles to share Himself with an obscure Samaritan woman. This woman was also estranged from her close relatives, friends, neighbors, previous husbands, and other men with whom she sinfully kept company. He revealed Himself to her, little by little, in a manner according to what she can accept. Like Christ, we too do not impose our belief on anyone; yet, we do not deny our Lord nor confuse the joyfulness with which He fills our hearts unlike the unfulfilling chatter and nonsense of the world. This resonates awe with many non-believers as they marvel at the values and behaviors of the true Christians. You are not interfering with her personal choice, but answering her questions, which are many, because God is shedding His light on her current belief system, one that is laced with arsenals of inaccuracies and violence. The closer she seeks Christ, the more He will reveal Himself to her.
If you are still uncomfortable going further into this friendship because of the repercussions it may have on you and your family, ask one of the priests in your area to assign an appropriate servant for this ministry to accompany you on your visits with your friend. Plan for casual dining or coffee at a public place rather than at your homes. If and when your friend feels at ease with this new acquaintance from the church, you can gradually slip out of the picture.
Perhaps, you may introduce your friend to the Holy Bible by starting to read and contemplate on the New Testament beginning with the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. Keep your friends in your prayers and may God change all the hearts of stone to hearts full of love.
Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)