We hear your deep concern and share in your burden for those who claim the name of Christ yet live in ways that contradict His Word. Your heart for holiness and discernment is evident, and we stand with you in prayer, seeking the Lord’s wisdom and intervention in this matter.
The Scriptures are clear about the danger of bad company corrupting good character. As it is written in 1 Corinthians 15:33, *"Do not be deceived: 'Evil companionships corrupt good morals.'" (WEB)* You are right to guard your heart and your walk with the Lord by distancing yourself from those who persist in unrepentant sin, even if they sit in church pews. Jesus Himself warned us in Matthew 7:15-16, *"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. By their fruits you will know them."* (WEB) The lack of spiritual fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)—is a clear sign that something is amiss in their walk with God.
We must also address the grievous sins you mentioned, for the Word of God does not shy away from calling sin what it is. The practice of immorality, including LGBTQ lifestyles, is condemned in Scripture as contrary to God’s design for humanity. Romans 1:26-27 states, *"For this reason, God gave them up to vile passions. For their women changed the natural function into that which is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural function of the woman, burned in their lust toward one another, men doing what is inappropriate with men, and receiving in themselves the due penalty of their error."* (WEB) Similarly, forbidding marriage is a doctrine of demons, as 1 Timothy 4:1-3 warns: *"But the Spirit says expressly that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons, through the hypocrisy of men who speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron; forbidding marriage and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth."* (WEB) These are serious matters that distort God’s truth and lead others astray.
It is also deeply troubling when those who claim to be Christians use the church as a means for personal gain—whether for free meals, social status, or other selfish motives—while engaging in behavior that harms others. Such individuals take the Lord’s forgiveness for granted, treating grace as a license to sin rather than a call to repentance and transformation. Hebrews 10:26-27 warns, *"For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a fierceness of fire which will devour the adversaries."* (WEB) True repentance involves turning away from sin, not using grace as an excuse to continue in it.
We must also emphasize that salvation is found in no other name but Jesus Christ. Acts 4:12 declares, *"There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* (WEB) If these individuals are not truly submitted to Christ as Lord, their profession of faith is empty. We must pray that the Holy Spirit would convict them of their sin and draw them to genuine repentance.
Let us now come before the Lord in prayer, lifting up these concerns and asking for His intervention:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We thank You for Your Word, which is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Lord, we lift up those who are walking in ways that dishonor You, even while claiming to follow You. We ask that You would block the paths of those who seek to influence others toward sin and ungodliness. Close the doors that should not be opened, and prevent their paths from crossing with those who are seeking to walk in righteousness. As Your Word says in Psalm 1:1, *"Blessed is the man who doesn’t walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers."* (WEB) We pray that You would surround Your people with godly influences and protect them from those who would lead them astray.
Father, we ask that You would bring conviction to the hearts of those who are living in sin, particularly those who engage in immorality, including LGBTQ lifestyles, and those who forbid what You have ordained, such as marriage. Holy Spirit, move powerfully in their lives to reveal the truth of Your Word and the seriousness of their actions. Let them see that they are not only harming themselves but also leading others away from You. We pray that they would repent, turn from their sin, and seek Your face with a sincere heart. As it is written in Ezekiel 18:30, *"Therefore I will judge you, house of Israel, everyone according to his ways,” says the Lord Yahweh. “Return, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity will not be your ruin."* (WEB)
Lord, we also pray for those who have been hurt or led astray by these individuals. Heal their wounds, restore their faith, and strengthen their resolve to walk in Your ways. Help them to forgive, as You have forgiven us, but also to exercise wisdom and discernment in their relationships. Give them the courage to distance themselves from those who persist in unrepentant sin, even if it means stepping away from familiar places or people.
Father, we ask that You would expose the motives of those who come to church for selfish gain rather than to worship You in spirit and truth. Let Your light shine in the darkness, and may those who are seeking You find genuine fellowship and discipleship. Protect Your church from wolves in sheep’s clothing, and raise up godly leaders who will shepherd Your flock with integrity and truth.
Finally, Lord, we pray for revival in Your church. Let us not be complacent or tolerant of sin, but let us stand firm on Your Word, speaking the truth in love. May we be a people who bear much fruit for Your kingdom, reflecting Your holiness and grace to a world in need. We ask all these things in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
In the days ahead, continue to walk in wisdom and discernment. Surround yourself with believers who share your commitment to holiness and who will encourage you in your faith. As Proverbs 13:20 says, *"One who walks with wise men grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm."* (WEB) Trust in the Lord to guide your steps and to protect you from those who would lead you astray. If these individuals are truly part of the body of Christ, pray that they would come to repentance and be restored. If they are not, pray that the Lord would remove them from positions of influence where they can do harm.
Remember, the battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of wickedness (Ephesians 6:12). Stand firm in the armor of God, and trust that He is faithful to complete the work He has begun in you. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, and do not grow weary in doing good. The harvest is coming, and your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
