How Can I Choose Between My Family And Church?

Q: My family has given me a choice between them and church. What should I do?

A: This is a little bit different because I don't know much about your circumstances. I don't know if you are of age, if you live in your family's home, or if you have your own home and family.

If you have your own home and family and are not dependent upon your family's support, then you can say, 'Listen, I love you and care for you. I'm not going to stop loving you or caring for you, but I am still going to go to church. I'm still going to commit myself to this congregation of believers.' Follow through on both: going to church and loving them, praying for them, and communicating with them. If they receive it, great; if they refuse it, that’s their choice.

The situation is more complicated if you are living in their home and under their support. In that case, you may not have the independent means to just say you will do what you believe God wants you to do. I would encourage you to get to a place of independence as soon as you can and follow God's way. I hope that's helpful for you.