How to Reach a Lost Child
It’s a biblically minded parent’s worst nightmare. Their child is not a believer and is living for the world. They are lost, confused and living fully for themselves. Their friend groups are extremely questionable; their mouths are filled with profanity; and your pretty sure they’ve already had more sexual partners and experiences than most kids their age. They are disobedient and want nothing to do with Christ. What do you do?
As a Christian parent, one of the most challenging situations you may face is when your child becomes lost spiritually. It can be heartbreaking to watch your child turn away from the faith that you hold dear, but there is hope. Here are some practical steps you can take to reach your lost child.
Pray
The first and most important step you can take is to pray. Pray for your child every day, asking God to soften their heart and open their eyes to the truth of the Gospel. Pray for wisdom and discernment as you seek to reach them, and pray that the Holy Spirit would guide you in your conversations and actions.
Model Christ's love
Your child needs to see the love of Christ in your life. They need to see how your faith shapes your values, decisions, and relationships. Make sure you're modeling the kind of behavior that you want to see in your child. Show them grace, forgiveness, and kindness, even when it's hard. Let your child see the joy and peace that comes from knowing and following Jesus.
Listen
When you have the opportunity to talk with your child, be sure to listen carefully to what they have to say. Hear them out without interrupting or dismissing their thoughts or feelings. Let them know that you value and respect their opinions, even if you don't agree with them. This will help build trust and open the door for deeper conversations about faith.
Be patient
Reaching a lost child can be a slow and challenging process. It may take months or even years to see any progress. Be patient and persistent, but also be willing to give your child space and time to process their thoughts and feelings. Don't push too hard or try to force them to change their beliefs. Instead, trust in God's timing and continue to pray for your child.
Share your faith
When the time is right, share your faith with your child. Be prepared to give an answer for the hope that you have (1 Peter 3:15), and share your personal testimony of how you came to faith in Christ. Be honest about your struggles and doubts, and let your child see that following Jesus is not about being perfect but about trusting in Him for forgiveness and salvation.
Seek help
If you're struggling to reach your lost child, don't be afraid to seek help from others. Talk to your pastor or a trusted Christian friend for advice and support. Consider attending a parenting seminar or counseling session to help you navigate this difficult situation.
In conclusion, reaching a lost child can be a difficult and emotional journey, but with prayer, patience, and love, you can make a difference in their life. Remember that God is in control, and trust Him to work in your child's heart and bring them back to Him.
