When Someone You Love Walks Away From God / Leaves the Church
Jul 4, 2024
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Learn how to cope with a loved one walking away from their faith with tips on open communication, prayer, avoiding self-blame, and holding onto hope for their journey, drawing from the story of St. Augustine.
Maintain open communication with loved ones who reject faith to avoid drifting apart.
Consistent prayer and perseverance can support loved ones who have strayed from faith.
Deep dives
Keeping Communication Open
In difficult situations where loved ones reject faith, it's crucial to maintain open lines of communication despite the pain and differences. Even when their choices are challenging, avoiding communication can lead to drifting apart, so establishing boundaries while staying connected is key.
The Power of Prayer and Perseverance
Prayer plays a vital role in supporting loved ones who have strayed from faith. Consistent intercession can have a profound impact, similar to how St. Augustine's mother's prayers influenced his conversion. Perseverance in prayer, along with maintaining communication with both the person and God, is emphasized for those facing such challenges.
If you have a family member, friend, or loved one who is far from God, you're not alone. You're in good company—not the least of which is God the Father himself, who works so hard to unite us with himself. If someone you love has stopped going to Church, or isn't practicing the faith anymore, or hasn't yet said "yes" to Jesus to begin with, what is the best way to love them?
Today, Fr. Mike has 4 simple things you can do to keep loving them on their faith journey, through all of the ups and downs. They're not easy to do, but they're always right.