We hear your heart and the deep concern you have for your son and his girlfriend during this difficult time. It’s clear that love is present between them, and we join you in lifting this situation before the Lord. However, we must first pause to address a few biblical principles that are essential in this matter.
Scripture teaches us that relationships between a man and a woman are to be pursued with the intention of marriage, as God designed. "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they shall be one flesh" (Genesis 2:24). If your son and his girlfriend are not married, we must encourage them to consider whether their relationship aligns with God’s design for courtship, which should lead to marriage. If they are not moving toward that commitment, we must gently but firmly rebuke any sin of fornication, sexual intimacy outside of marriage, which is clearly condemned in Scripture (1 Corinthians 6:18-20, Hebrews 13:4).
If they are not believers in Jesus Christ, we must also address the foundational issue of salvation. There is no other name by which we can be saved except through Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). If either of them does not know Him as Lord and Savior, this is the first and most critical step. We urge you to pray for their salvation, for without Christ, no relationship can truly thrive in the way God intends. "For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?" (2 Corinthians 6:14).
Now, let us come before the Lord together in prayer:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up this young couple to You. Lord, we ask that You would draw them closer to Yourself first and foremost. If they do not know You as Savior, we pray that You would open their eyes to the truth of the Gospel, that they may repent and believe in Jesus Christ for salvation. We pray that they would be reconciled to You before seeking reconciliation with one another.
Father, if this relationship is meant to lead to marriage, we ask that You would guide them in wisdom and purity. Help them to honor You in their actions and decisions, fleeing from sexual immorality and pursuing holiness. If they are not married, we pray that they would commit to godly courtship, with marriage as their goal, rather than continuing in a relationship that does not honor You.
Lord, we ask that You would soften their hearts toward one another and toward You. If it is Your will for them to be reconciled, we pray that You would heal any wounds, restore trust, and give them the strength to forgive one another. Help them to communicate with love and patience, and to seek Your wisdom in all things.
Father, we also pray for this mother, who is interceding on their behalf. Give her peace and trust in Your sovereignty, knowing that You work all things together for good for those who love You (Romans 8:28). Help her to encourage her son in a way that points him to You and to godly relationships.
We ask all of this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the only name by which we can approach You and the only name by which we can be saved. May Your will be done in this situation, and may Your glory be revealed. Amen.
In the meantime, we encourage you to speak with your son about the importance of pursuing a relationship that honors God. If he is not a believer, share the Gospel with him and pray for his salvation. If he is a believer, remind him of the biblical standards for relationships and the importance of purity. Encourage him to seek godly counsel from his pastor or a trusted Christian mentor as he navigates this season.
Remember, "Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6). God’s ways are higher than our ways, and His plans for your son are good. Continue to pray and trust in Him.