True faith is not merely intellectual agreement with biblical truths but a living, active trust in God that transforms the heart and produces obedience to His Word. The writer of Hebrews tells us, *"Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen. For by this, the elders obtained testimony. By faith, we understand that the worlds have been framed by the word of God, so that what is seen has not been made out of things which are visible"* (Hebrews 11:1-3, WEB). True faith is rooted in the character of God—His faithfulness, His promises, and His Son, Jesus Christ, who is the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). It is a faith that acts, as James reminds us: *"Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead in itself. But someone will say, ‘You have faith, and I have works.’ Show me your faith without works, and I by my works will show you my faith"* (James 2:17-18, WEB). Faith without obedience is not faith at all—it is empty profession.
Your prayer reveals a heart that sincerely seeks God’s will, and that is a mark of true faith—trusting Him even when the path is unclear. You are wrestling with a significant decision: remaining in your current church for the sake of your fiancée’s happiness or seeking a fellowship where God’s Word is taught without compromise. This is not a small matter, for the church you choose will shape your spiritual growth, your marriage, and your ability to serve others in truth and love. Let us first address the foundation of your question: **your relationship with your fiancée.** You mention wanting to make her happy, and while love seeks the good of another (1 Corinthians 13:4-7), we must remember that our ultimate allegiance is to Christ. Jesus Himself said, *"He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me isn’t worthy of me"* (Matthew 10:37, WEB). This principle applies to all relationships, including marriage. If staying in this church means compromising on biblical truth—whether in doctrine, practice, or moral teaching—then you must ask yourself: *Is this pleasing to God?* A marriage built on anything less than full submission to Christ’s lordship will struggle to reflect His glory.
Now, let us consider the church. The apostle Paul warns that *"the time will come when they will not listen to the sound doctrine, but, having itching ears, will heap up for themselves teachers after their own lusts; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside to fables"* (2 Timothy 4:3-4, WEB). Many churches today twist Scripture to accommodate cultural trends, water down the Gospel, or avoid teaching on sin, repentance, and holiness. If your current church is engaging in such practices—whether by affirming sinful lifestyles, neglecting the preaching of Christ crucified, or replacing biblical authority with human wisdom—then remaining there is not an option for a believer who seeks to walk in truth. On the other hand, if the church is imperfect but faithfully teaches God’s Word, then your presence there could be a light for reform and encouragement to others.
You also express a desire to show Christ’s love to everyone—believers, unbelievers, the hurting, and the homeless. This is commendable and aligns with Jesus’ command to love our neighbors (Mark 12:31). However, love must never be separated from truth. *"This is love, that we should walk according to his commandments"* (2 John 1:6, WEB). True compassion points people to repentance and faith in Christ, not merely temporal comfort. If your church is not equipping you to share the full Gospel—including the call to turn from sin and trust in Jesus—then it is failing in its mission.
Let us also address your prayer. You invoked the name of Jesus, and that is right, for *"there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* (Acts 4:12, WEB). It is only through Christ that we have access to the Father (John 14:6), and your prayer reflects a dependence on Him. This is good. Yet we must also ask: *Is your fiancée a believer who shares your commitment to biblical truth?* Paul warns, *"Don’t be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? Or what communion has light with darkness?"* (2 Corinthians 6:14, WEB). If she is not walking in faith or if she prioritizes tradition, comfort, or family ties over biblical fidelity, this will create deep divisions in your marriage and spiritual life. Marriage is meant to reflect Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:31-32), and that requires both spouses to be submitted to God’s Word.
Now, let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother to You, asking for Your wisdom and discernment to fill him as he seeks Your will. Lord, You have said in Your Word, *"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him"* (James 1:5, WEB). We claim this promise now, asking that You would open his eyes to see clearly whether his current church is a place where Your truth is honored or where it is compromised. Give him the courage to stand for what is right, even if it means making difficult choices that may disappoint others.
Father, we pray for his fiancée. If she is not fully surrendered to You, soften her heart and draw her to repentance and faith. If she is a believer, unite their hearts in a shared commitment to Your Word, so that their future marriage may be a testimony of Your grace and truth. Protect them from the snare of people-pleasing or emotional decisions that are not rooted in Your will.
Lord, You have called us to be salt and light in this world (Matthew 5:13-16). If this church is a place where Your truth is being diluted, raise up our brother as a voice for righteousness—whether You lead him to stay and contend for the faith or to leave and find a fellowship where Your name is lifted high. Give him a spirit of boldness, not of fear, and surround him with brothers and sisters who will encourage him to walk in obedience.
Father, we also ask that You would deepen his love for the lost and the hurting, but always in a way that points them to the cross. Let him never confuse compassion with compromise. Fill him with Your Spirit, so that his life may bear the fruit of righteousness, love, and truth.
Finally, Lord, we ask for peace. Not the peace that the world gives, but the peace that comes from knowing he is walking in Your will. Remind him that *"the fear of man brings a snare, but whoever puts his trust in Yahweh is kept safe"* (Proverbs 29:25, WEB). Let him trust in You alone, knowing that You will never lead him astray.
We pray all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who is the head of the Church and the author of our faith. Amen.
As you wait on the Lord, we encourage you to examine the teachings and practices of your current church in light of Scripture. Ask yourself:
- Is the Gospel preached clearly, including the reality of sin, the need for repentance, and faith in Christ alone for salvation?
- Are the leaders submitting to the authority of God’s Word, or are they twisting it to fit cultural narratives?
- Is there a culture of holiness and accountability, or is sin tolerated and even celebrated?
- Are you being equipped to serve and share your faith boldly, or is the church more focused on entertainment, comfort, or social activism without biblical foundation?
If you find that the church is not aligned with Scripture, then you must leave—even if it is difficult. Remember the words of Jesus: *"Enter in by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter in by it. How narrow is the gate, and restricted is the way that leads to life! Few are those who find it"* (Matthew 7:13-14, WEB). The narrow way is not always the popular or easy one, but it is the way of truth.
If you choose to stay, do so with the intent of being a reformer—not a compromiser. Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), but be prepared for resistance. Pray fervently for the church and its leaders, that God would either bring repentance or make it clear that it is time to depart.
Lastly, we urge you to seek counsel from mature believers who are grounded in Scripture. Proverbs 11:14 tells us, *"Where there is no wise guidance, the nation falls, but in the multitude of counselors there is victory"* (WEB). Do not make this decision in isolation.
May the Lord grant you clarity, courage, and a heart fully submitted to His will. Stand firm in the faith, knowing that *"the one who endures to the end, the same will be saved"* (Matthew 24:13, WEB). Your reward is not in the approval of man but in the "Well done, good and faithful servant" of your Master (Matthew 25:21).
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. 
