Keep loving them.

“And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” Ephesians 5:2

My younger sister and I have always been close. We shared the same room until we were in high school and did everything together, like two peas in a pod. Then life took us in two different directions. I chose to follow after God, and she chose a different path. We were both raised in the church, and when she turned away from the things of God and began to make choices that only made the situation worse, I felt heartbroken. No matter how much I prayed for her, it seemed she only grew more resistant and stubborn. It’s hard to watch someone go down a dead-end road. It’s hard to talk to someone that argues with everything you say. It’s hard. But God is continuing to help me understand that He sees the end from the beginning, and He’s at work in her heart even when it seems like He’s not. Just as God is helping me, I pray He helps you too. God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. Whatever we feel we can’t do, God will do it through us. Don’t give up on your family. In the words of my mother, “If you love people through their mess, they will never forget it. Keep loving them.” I share that same wisdom with you.

Prayer: Father God, thank you for encouraging my heart. I pray for my unsaved loved ones. I pray that you will penetrate their hearts with your love and your light. Until they make a quality decision for you, protect them, Lord. Help me love them with your love. Help me not to judge them. That’s your job. Help me be patient as you save my family, and not give up on them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

(Read Colossians 4:5; Jude 1:20-22; James 5:16)