You may not think you’re helping him right now—but you are, by being willing to talk with him about his life. Without you he probably has little hope of ever changing. The Bible tells us to “carry each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2).

What can you do? First, you can tell him he is wrong when he says that if God wanted him to change, then God would make him change. Listen: God wants him to change! The reason is because God loves him, and He doesn’t want your friend to hurt or destroy his life. God has said, “For I know the plans I have for you … plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

But God gives us the freedom to reject Him and turn away from Him—and when we do, we pay a terrible price. The only way back is to repent of our sins and turn to Christ for the help we need—and that is what your friend needs to do.

Pray for your friend, and ask God not only to help him realize he is on the wrong road in life, but to open his eyes to his need of Christ. Sin’s hold on him is strong—but Christ is stronger, and Christ can deliver him from sin’s grip. Yes, Christ can help him—but only if he quits making excuses for his behavior and truly seeks God’s forgiveness and help.