Watching those close to us lose their faith in Jesus Christ and leave the covenant path can be difficult and sad for those of us who choose to stay. I have wondered as I have watched what the right response is for reaching out to those who have left. I can come to understand that it depends on whether they are sheep, coins or sons. In Jesus’ parables we learn that we are to go off and seek for the wandering sheep who is lost. If we lose a coin we are to sweep the house until we find it. But if we lose a son, we must sit, watch and wait and be ready to run when we see them in the distance on their way back home. Before we decide to act, asking ourselves if our loved one is a sheep, coin, or son might help us in knowing how to help.
-Matthew Royston
From my home in Almost Heaven, xo
Great thought. Thank you!