Befriending someone merely so you can tell them the gospel is a form of manipulation and a violation of trust. Augustine argued that loving the neighbor meant wanting what was best for them, which is to know and to love God.6 So desiring this for a friend is a very good thing. But it must involve more than words and strategy; it involves fidelity within the friendship itself. Real friendship leads to an ongoing community of love. Such love is self giving and vulnerable; it puts the other person first.
