What Should I Say? Devotions From Time Of Grace Exemplo

My son says he’s lost his faith 

I don’t think there could be a more crushing realization for a Christian parent than to realize that a son or daughter has lost his or her faith and wants nothing to do with God. We would rather that our children would suffer injury or illness than reject their Savior. What to do when that happens?

Don’t give in to panic, bitterness, defensiveness, blaming, or fear. No nagging, guilt, or pressure. Once they’ve been in the faith, our children must choose to embrace scriptural beliefs for themselves. You cannot believe for them, and they will bitterly resent it if you try to bully them.

Be patient. They may be testing you. They may be trying on various personas to see how they feel. Time and the hardness of life on earth may break down some of that bravado. You aren’t alone—remember Jesus’ parable? “When [the son] came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you’” (Luke 15:17,18). Listen more than you talk. Love always. Never give up. No amount of brave agnostic talk can get rid of inner guilt. Emphasize God’s mercy, that his arms are always open, that you’re never too far gone. Don’t stop praying.

And keep believing in the gospel’s power.