When Your Child’s LifeStyle Choices Hurt – Guidance for Hurting Parentsਨਮੂਨਾ

4. The Example of Jesus – In Your Life Today

Let’s have a short recap. Your grown child has gone off the track. Their life is not at all as you (or God) might approve. They know what you think, even if you say nothing anymore. But do they know that you are praying, and that you still love them unconditionally? Like God loves you.

Think on that for a moment. Unconditional Love. Like God has for you, so you are called to have for your child. Just like the father of the prodigal son. Just like God waiting for us.

So here’s your secret weapon – your most powerful asset in this struggle.

Love them. Unconditionally.

Swallow your pride and focus on relationship. Invite them for dinner. Show kindness and patience. Treat them with respect. Love them as Jesus would. Because your actions carry far more weight than your words ever could.

Jesus never forced people to believe. He lived His message with grace and mercy. He gave people space to come close – or to walk away. When others rejected Him, He didn’t react with anger or pressure. He trusted God’s timing and stayed rooted in love.

Now that your child is grown, they might not listen to your words, but they are still watching your life – your peace, your patience, your faithfulness.

Paul’s words to the Ephesians remind us:

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us.” – Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV

This is the calling for every Christian parent – to be a living example of love that reflects Jesus. No matter what.

If you call yourself a follower of Christ but struggle to show a loving witness to your own child, it’s worth asking what that means for your faith.

Your life is your testimony – not in perfection, but in consistent love. And it starts with those closest to you.

So love them, build relationship as you can, knowing that each action you take reinforces the very words you wish to say. Love them, spend time with them, care for them as Jesus cared for the poor.

After all, you may be the only witness to God's goodness that your child sees, or cares to know about. Your actions matter so much more than your words. So keep showing them grace, keep offering them hospitality, and keep the door open always - even if you face a continuous stream of rejection. Let the love of Christ shine through you to them, and keep praying in faith. Each and every day.

Like the heroes of the faith extolled in the Bible (Hebrews 11), you may never see the result, but that should not diminish your drive, desire, or expectation for their lives.

Blessings to you in these difficult days. May God grant you wisdom, strength, courage and His peace. Shalom to you.

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May this reading plan helps reassure you of God’s presence and plan , especially in the difficulties you may face with your child's choices. For more readings like this, please visit our website or search for other plans authored by "Roland Heersink" in the YouVersion app. Or, dig into the Bible reading plan the "3-line Motto for Christian Living at Home and Work" to be further encouraged.

Blessings to you!