Hi
I'm a young adult who are currently attending college. I'm a Christian and I'm studying Social Work and Religion. My roommate however is not a Christian. She plays loud rap music, when I'm trying to study, and when I play gospel music she can't stands it and leave. I want to know how do I deal with a unChristian college roommate?

Hi Passive,

I am not perhaps the best person to give you any suggestions on this subject. I never had a roommate, but sometimes people come to see and appreciate our point of view as regards their behavior and how it affects us and sometimes they don't.

I think probably the best thing to do is try to be the more loving person. I know that can sound "holier than thou", but Christians are often how people "interpret" Jesus. Really, that's how it should be (after the Bible of course). People might look at Christians and think, "If that's the way Christians are---I sure don't want to be one."

I know of a tour-bus driver in Israel who was guiding a pastor and his group around the country for two weeks. Before it was over, he told the pastor that he was "jealous" for whatever it was that he and this parishioners had. He wanted it and asked to be told about it. The driver received the gospel and ended up giving asking God for salvation. It is possible that things might end up that way for your roommate. It is something wonderful to pray about and hope for at any rate.

It's easy to get upset with rude, careless and inconsiderate behavior. Sometimes, it is only done to get under one's skin. It can work, too. I know that I have blown my witness by getting angry with folks when I should have known that they were only trying to provoke my anger.

When she plays her loud music at study time, perhaps you could just smile at her warmly and go to another room for a while. I know that you shouldn't have to, that it is an unfair inconvenience and maybe not even possible, but your attitude when she does that will speak volumes to her heart.

Show no disdain for her, but take that to God and ask Him to orient your heart toward doing everything that will provide an opportunity for you to be in her life that the gospel may be presented to her, either by you or by someone else of the Lord's choosing. We never know how or when He will get it to her.

If you have an iPod or mp3 player, try listening to your gospel music on that instead. Little things mean a lot to people--even rude and inconsiderate people. The difference is that rude and inconsiderate people need kindness as much as we do--perhaps even more desperately.

Peace in His name,
Kabar

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I'm probably not the best to answer this because I'm not a Christian but I'd suggest you talk about it. Socially interacting with others is part of what makes college the experience it is. Embrace the differences, share your culture, and have fun with it. If she doesn't want to thats her loss.