Dear Sister,

When the love of God grows in our hearts through the power of the Holy Spirit, it begins to serve as a filter for our thoughts, words, and responses. As I write this, I am thinking about those around us who describe themselves as “deconstructing” Christianity.

Recently, I have observed a young woman who once professed Christianity but now publicly challenges the faith she formerly embraced. Others are listening and following her reasoning, particularly as she questions the truth of Jesus as the only Way to the Father.

And here is where the heart of God must be evident in us.

Simply turning away from those who are questioning the faith may leave them without the witness of believers who still love them and pray for them. At the same time, we do not have to participate in conversations that continually seek to undermine the truth of God’s Word. Sometimes, our most powerful response is not another argument—it is prayer.

We can pray for the person while guarding the truth entrusted to us.

Scripture warns us about influences that can draw believers away from the faith. Paul instructed Timothy:

“Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith.”
—1 Timothy 6:20–21 (NIV)

Sister, we must remain watchful. Scripture warns that some will turn away from the faith. Yet our response should not be fear, anger, or contempt. Pray for people, love people, and guard the truth God has placed in your heart.

May Jesus—the Way, the Truth, and the Life—continue to shine brightly in your heart and mind. As you pray for your own heart, cover your family in prayer. Cover your coworkers. Pray for those who are questioning their faith. Pray for those who are influencing others.

And Sister, don’t forget the students. They, too, are surrounded by voices competing for their hearts and minds. May we faithfully pray that they will know truth, recognize truth, and ultimately know the One who declared:

“I am the way and the truth and the life.”
—John 14:6

Hanging on to the Way,

Your Sister in Christ