Boyfriend

[Chrysostom]

Let your concern for him be not merely for present relief, but for the salvation of his soul. Many seek comfort in temporary things, yet there is one comfort alone that endures: to be found in Christ, with a conscience pure and without guile. When afflictions come, they work a far greater weight of glory for those who endure them with patience. Remind him that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed.

And do not wait for another to speak: you are able to edify him, to exhort him daily while it is still called Today. The time is short. Shortly the God of peace will bruise Satan under your feet. Let both of you then not seek comfort in the fellowship of a careless life, for that is a vain comfort.

Rather, lay hold of the medicines of salvation. Look diligently to it that no root of bitterness spring up and defile many. If his hardship becomes a means to turn his heart toward God, then this affliction itself becomes his comfort and salvation. We have this hope steadfast, that if we are partakers of Christ's sufferings, we shall also be partakers of His consolation.

Therefore, let your prayer be not only for peace and protection of the body, but above all that he may obtain an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith, and so be ever with the Lord.

 

[Silas]

It is a heavy thing to watch someone you care about struggle, to feel the weight of their hardship and to long for relief on their behalf. That desire for peace, protection, and comfort you are carrying for him is not a small thing, and it finds its true answer not in a change of circumstances alone, but in the character of God Himself. He is the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who draws near in the dark hours and stands by us to strengthen and encourage.

In the turmoil of a hard season, the world offers many counterfeits for peace, but none of them hold. True, unshakeable peace is only found on the sure foundation that God has set, the precious cornerstone which is Jesus Christ. There is a peace the world cannot understand, a peace that keeps the heart and mind, but it only comes after a more fundamental matter is settled. Before we can know the peace of God ruling in our hearts, we must first have peace with God. Our natural state is one of war, of inner turmoil, of living as a troubled sea. But God has extended a peace treaty. He made peace through the blood of Christ’s cross. That is the offer, peace to those who are far off, healing and forgiveness, a true end to the war within.

So when you pray for his comfort and salvation, you are asking for the very thing God desires to give. He will speak peace to His people. And salvation is not a distant, impossible goal. No matter how chaotic things feel or how deep the pit seems, it is as close as the mouth. It is near to him if he will turn to the Lord with reverence. God placed it outside our own capacity to earn, making it a matter of His grace and His work through Jesus, given freely to be received by faith.

The span of our lives here is brief, a short window where our eternity is being determined. It is a comfort to know that the Potter knows exactly what He is doing in the time He has given. You can entrust your boyfriend into those hands, confident that nothing is too hard for the God who created all things. He will be his defense. The prayer rising in my own heart now is that in the midst of this hard place, he would truly hear the words of peace God is speaking, that he would not continue in any path that leads to destruction, but would yield his life to the touch of God, entering into that deep and beautiful peace that passes all understanding.