Loving the Sinner not the Sin

As members of the church it is always hard to see those around you who know the truth choose the wrong. It is hard because we know that they can be happy and we ache for them for when the day comes that they will have to suffer the consequences for those poor choices that they are making. But as their loved ones and as children of God it is our job to love them and it is not our job to judge them. We can also be comforted with the knowledge that temple covenants can save those who have fallen away. The Atonement is also a great tool for those who have fallen away and need to repent of their sins once they choose to come back.

It is especially hard to see our children fall away from the church but this can happen. As parents all we can do is raise our children and teach them what is right and if later in their life they choose something else we need to show them love and warmth and know that we did all we can to help raise them with the knowledge they need to make the right choices, even if they are not making them right now. "The Atonement and sealing ordinances are sufficiently powerful to eventually bring salvation to the children of parents who diligently seek to keep their temple covenants." (2012).

As long as we uphold our temple covenants with the Lord than those blessings we received can continue to bless our children who were born into that covenant. How could a Lord that is loving enough to give us those covenants not give his children a way to return when they loose there way? Another amazing point that I saw in my book about the power of the Atonement that can be a great healer for our worries about our children is that the Atonement heals "in both this life and in the life to come" (2012). Everyone is always saying YOLO (You Only Live Once) but we don't. This is only the beginning of forever and we may have a temporary separation from our bodies before resurrection but we will have time to repent, as long as we are trying our best and not pushing off repentance on purpose.

I don't personally have experience with worrying about children falling away from the church but reading the chapter in my book regarding this topic reminded me how important it is for me to keep my temple covenants and teach my children about the Gospel and Christ's love.

If you are someone who has fallen from the church and you feel alone in your journey in returning please remember that you are never alone. You have church members (Bishop, RS president, Elder's Quorum president, YW or YM presidency) and most importantly our Lord and Jesus Christ. He is always there to hear your prayers and he is the only "call" that will always be answered!

Resources:
Hawkins, Alan J. , Dollahite, David C. , Draper, Thomas W. (2012). Successful Marriages and Families: Proclamation Principles and Research Perspectives. Provo, Utah: Brigham Young University