First of all as a parent you are not alone. Hearing that
your child is gay is not an easy thing. Do you just accept it because culture
says, “You were born that way?” Do you compromise your beliefs as a Christian?
Never give up praying for your child! |
First of all don’t start quoting a bunch of scripture to your
child. This will not help, even though it is truth. Be careful not to condemn
them as a person. We all have sin in our lives, and sometimes the enemy has a
greater hold on others. Spend time with your child without compromising your beliefs.
Let your child know that you love them unconditionally, and that their
lifestyle will not take away your love for them. Too many Christians are
passing hate and condemnation over this lifestyle, but isn't sin, sin? Why categorize
sin, God does not. Focus on your child’s strengths and that God did create them
for His plan and purpose. You don’t always have to talk about their lifestyle.
You can talk about things your child is doing in their lives. Encourage the
good that you see in them.
As a parent the MOST important thing that you can do is
pray. That is not to be underestimated. Prayer is your best choice is dealing
with your child in this lifestyle. You, as the parent become an intercessor for
your child. Be willing to never give up, even when it looks like the situation
will never change. Be the praying momma or daddy. My son knows I pray for him, and
most of all he knows that I love him. He knows where I stand Biblically, but we
no longer get into long discussions about his life choices. I simply bring
these petitions to the throne of God. Sometimes, I have to be alone and cry and
speak with God privately about my heart’s desires for him.
Just because the culture says it is okay to be gay, does not
mean you have to accept that. It also does not mean that you can do the
opposite and demean and condemn your child. They are worthy and valuable and
God died for them too. Focus on what is right with your child. Pray for
ministers and people of God to be able to speak truth into their lives. Never
give up on your child, even in the darkest hours. Love is powerful and a force
that the enemy cannot reckon with. Yes, it will be hard at times, but are we
not called to love as Christ loves? We can still love without condoning and
compromising. How else would unbelievers come to Christ unless we show them the
Father’s love?
Parents, take heart, this is a tough journey. If you are
married, make sure you take date nights with your spouse regularly. Spend
regular time alone with God, pour out your heart to Him. Cry when you need to
and express your concerns to God. Pray day and night for your child, never stop
praying. Take time for yourself and do something just for you. This is a long
and sometimes tiring journey, so make sure you are taking care of you. Don’t
focus solely on your child and their lifestyle, step away from the constant
need to think continually about them and their situation. Take rest days when
needed and unplug from email, Facebook, twitter and the phone. Reach out to a friend
you can trust. And remember that you are not alone, there are so many Christian
parents who are going through exactly this. There is also hope, I have
personally known several people who have been delivered and set free from this
lifestyle. It is not up to up to change our children, it is up to them to want
to change, and of course Jesus can deliver any stronghold!