DEAR BILLY GRAHAM: Our son is coming home from college this Christmas, and we’re kind of dreading it. He has let us know he no longer believes in God and has no intention of going to church with us. We don’t want to spend the holidays arguing, but how should we react? — K.K.
DEAR K.K.: I suspect you’re already on the right track. Spending the holidays arguing not only would create conflict and tension, but it probably wouldn’t solve anything. The Bible says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).
Instead, ask God to help you be an example to your son of Christ’s love and concern.
I think, for example, of Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, who loudly claimed he’d never turn his back on Jesus and then denied him three times. But how did the other disciples treat Peter? They could have refused to have anything more to do with him, or they might have argued with him over what he’d done. Instead, they loved him and made him part of their group after Jesus’ death, and in time Jesus appeared to Peter and forgave him for his unbelief. (John 21.)
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Does this mean you should just ignore your son’s opinions or act as if they aren’t important to you? No, of course not. But ask God to help you be good listeners and assure him of your love, while also expressing concern that he not be misled by the opinions of others.
You may not be able to answer all of his questions, but don’t let that worry you. Instead, pray for him and urge him to look at Christ as he is found in the Gospels. Unbelief fades in the light of Christ.
Write “My Answer,” Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; or go to BillyGraham.org.
Tribune Media Services 12/16
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