As Christians, we want our family members to know God’s forgiveness and love. We especially want them to go to Heaven. Sometimes, our family members reject Jesus. They might even mock or insult you for following Jesus if you live in a place with very few Christians. When your family rejects Jesus, what do you do?

Present Your Needs to God

Think of your earthly father. Would you describe him as kind or mean? Comforting or completely absent? Whatever your experience was with your earthly father, understand that our Heavenly Father is much different. God is always present, and he is far greater, kinder, and generous than any father on earth. Because God loves us, He wants us to present our needs to Him. If your family rejects Jesus, pray to God about it.

Use Your Secret Weapon - Prayer

We know we should pray to God for our family members who reject Jesus, but how? The Apostle Paul wrote, “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for ALL people” (1 Timothy 2:1). Pray for all of your family members. Even the ones you don’t know yet! 1 Thessalonians 5:17 even says to “Pray without ceasing.” We should never stop praying for our family members that reject Jesus.

Remember, Jesus “came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). Pray confidently! The entire reason Jesus came to earth was to save us. That includes me, you and your entire family! Be persistent in your prayers. Even if the situation hasn’t changed yet, keep praying. And always remember to continue “Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:20).

Trust in God’s Will

When we pray, we are not only asking for things, but aligning our own will with God’s. That’s why one of the first phrases of the Lord’s Prayer is, “Your will be done.” Our Heavenly Father knows what to give and when to give it. Our part is to persistently ask for the salvation of our loved ones, and to patiently wait and seek His will.