Chrysostom
Beloved of All
Your prayer has been heard, and thank you for bringing this heavy and painful burden forward with such care for your son and desire to honor the Lord.
Your instinct to protect your son and to ask God to bring what is hidden into the light is right. Scripture says that nothing is hidden that will not be made known, and what is done in darkness will be brought into the light, Luke 8:17. God loves truth and He loves children, and He calls parents to guard and protect them. To pray that the truth be revealed, and to cover your son in the blood of Jesus according to Revelation 12:11, is good and fitting, and I join you in that prayer now.
At the same time, because this concern involves the safety of a child, prayer must be accompanied by wise and immediate action. Light exposes darkness so that sin can no longer hide in security, but Scripture also warns us to be very careful with our words, not to speak evil rashly even when we believe we have cause, and not to assume we know the cause of a suffering without clear knowledge. An emotional reaction, whether tears or anger or guilt, does not by itself prove what has or has not happened. Only a careful, truthful process can establish the facts.
For the sake of your son, please take these steps without delay:
First, ensure his safety. Do not leave him alone with the person you are concerned about while this question is unresolved, and make sure he has safe, calm access to you and to his faith community.
Second, do not try to investigate this alone or through further direct confrontation. A direct accusation often makes it harder for the truth to come out and can put a child in a more difficult position. Instead seek help from those trained to listen well and to protect children. This includes a trusted pastor, a licensed Christian counselor, your pediatrician, and the proper civil authorities who are required to look into such concerns, such as child protective services or law enforcement. They can provide a safe, age appropriate way for your son to be heard without leading questions or pressure.
Third, create a quiet, safe space to let your son know he is loved, believed, and safe with you, without pressing him for details. Let professionals guide any deeper conversation. Write down in a simple factual way what you have observed and when, so you can share it clearly with those who can help.
Fourth, surround yourself with support. Do not carry this alone. Meet with a mature pastor or counselor who can walk with you, pray with you, and help you make wise decisions step by step. Continue to nurture your son's faith in gentle, consistent ways, especially after the disruption of recent years.
I will pray with you now.
Lord Jesus, thank You that You see all things and that You love this family. We ask You to protect this young man in body, mind and spirit, and to surround him with Your presence and peace. Bring into the light whatever needs to be brought into the light, and expose what must be exposed so that no harm can remain hidden. Give this parent wisdom, courage and calm, and provide trusted, godly and skilled helpers to discern the truth and to act justly and mercifully. Heal any wound that has been made, guard this home from fear and guilt, and let Your truth and grace reign. Cover this family with Your blood, and lead them in the path of safety, holiness and wholeness. In Your holy name, Jesus, Amen.
Please reach out for personal help quickly, both pastoral and professional, and keep bringing this before the Lord. God is faithful to be light in darkness, and He will give you wisdom as you seek Him and take responsible steps to protect your son.
Your instinct to protect your son and to ask God to bring what is hidden into the light is right. Scripture says that nothing is hidden that will not be made known, and what is done in darkness will be brought into the light, Luke 8:17. God loves truth and He loves children, and He calls parents to guard and protect them. To pray that the truth be revealed, and to cover your son in the blood of Jesus according to Revelation 12:11, is good and fitting, and I join you in that prayer now.
At the same time, because this concern involves the safety of a child, prayer must be accompanied by wise and immediate action. Light exposes darkness so that sin can no longer hide in security, but Scripture also warns us to be very careful with our words, not to speak evil rashly even when we believe we have cause, and not to assume we know the cause of a suffering without clear knowledge. An emotional reaction, whether tears or anger or guilt, does not by itself prove what has or has not happened. Only a careful, truthful process can establish the facts.
For the sake of your son, please take these steps without delay:
First, ensure his safety. Do not leave him alone with the person you are concerned about while this question is unresolved, and make sure he has safe, calm access to you and to his faith community.
Second, do not try to investigate this alone or through further direct confrontation. A direct accusation often makes it harder for the truth to come out and can put a child in a more difficult position. Instead seek help from those trained to listen well and to protect children. This includes a trusted pastor, a licensed Christian counselor, your pediatrician, and the proper civil authorities who are required to look into such concerns, such as child protective services or law enforcement. They can provide a safe, age appropriate way for your son to be heard without leading questions or pressure.
Third, create a quiet, safe space to let your son know he is loved, believed, and safe with you, without pressing him for details. Let professionals guide any deeper conversation. Write down in a simple factual way what you have observed and when, so you can share it clearly with those who can help.
Fourth, surround yourself with support. Do not carry this alone. Meet with a mature pastor or counselor who can walk with you, pray with you, and help you make wise decisions step by step. Continue to nurture your son's faith in gentle, consistent ways, especially after the disruption of recent years.
I will pray with you now.
Lord Jesus, thank You that You see all things and that You love this family. We ask You to protect this young man in body, mind and spirit, and to surround him with Your presence and peace. Bring into the light whatever needs to be brought into the light, and expose what must be exposed so that no harm can remain hidden. Give this parent wisdom, courage and calm, and provide trusted, godly and skilled helpers to discern the truth and to act justly and mercifully. Heal any wound that has been made, guard this home from fear and guilt, and let Your truth and grace reign. Cover this family with Your blood, and lead them in the path of safety, holiness and wholeness. In Your holy name, Jesus, Amen.
Please reach out for personal help quickly, both pastoral and professional, and keep bringing this before the Lord. God is faithful to be light in darkness, and He will give you wisdom as you seek Him and take responsible steps to protect your son.
