Counsels on Relationships

Counsel #28 — Faith Amid Doubt

Picture: Counsel #28 — Faith Amid Doubt CR 140.1

Living in a home with parents who don’t share your belief in God can be challenging. Regardless of why they don’t believe, God still calls you to honor, love, and respect them. It may be difficult to overlook their disbelief, especially if they make negative comments about your faith. Yet, these moments are opportunities to reflect God’s character. CR 140.2

During His ministry, Jesus was mocked and doubted by many who didn’t believe in Him, but He continued to show love and perform miracles. Each day, reassure your parents of your love and respect for them, regardless of their beliefs, and in private, pray that God will soften their hearts and open their eyes to the truth of Jesus’ love. Hold onto your faith, trusting that God can bring about change in His time. Your example of unwavering love and faith may be the seed that eventually leads them closer to Him.^[133] CR 140.3

“See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.” Hebrews 3:12 NIV CR 140.4

“Christ came into the world to save it, to connect fallen man with the infinite God. Christ's followers are to be channels of light. Maintaining communion with God, they are to transmit to those in darkness and error the choice blessings which they receive of heaven.” Ellen White in Counsels for the Church, p. 282 CR 140.5

Reflect: What is one thing you can do to show God’s love to your parents? CR 140.6