When the Young Adult You Love Strays

When a young adult walks away from faith, church, or the values they were raised with, the pain can be deep. Parents, pastors, mentors, and loved ones may wonder what went wrong and feel the urge to fix the situation. But when someone we love strays, Scripture reminds us that God is still at work, and our response can make a meaningful difference.

Loving a young adult who has stepped away from Christianity requires a balance of truth, grace, patience, and acceptance. Healthy Christian community can play an important role in helping people reconnect with their faith, but bringing someone back isn’t about forcing them to change. Instead, we can continue loving them, remain available, encourage healthy community, and extend the same grace God has shown us. Sometimes the most important question a young adult needs answered is simply, “Do you still love me?”

Highlights:

What to do when a young adult strays from faith or church Why trying to “fix” a young adult can push them further away How Christian community can help young adults reconnect with their faith The difference between accepting someone and approving of their choices Why love, grace, patience, and availability matter when someone is struggling spiritually How to point young adults toward healthy communities of faith without forcing them Remembering that God’s grace is available even when we make mistakes or stray Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter.

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Full Transcript Below:

When the Young Adult That You Love Strays

By: Maina Mwaura

Bible Reading: