Chrysostom
Beloved of All
Your request for spiritual protection and for peace in your home has been heard, and we will pray with you.
God is not a God of war and fighting, and His desire for His people is peace. Scripture says, Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God, and we are called to follow peace with all men and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. The peace that Christ gives is not like the peace the world gives. It guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus and it surpasses all understanding, keeping us even when there is tension around us.
In that spirit, we want to encourage you not to rush into conflict or to treat this family tension as spiritual warfare to be fought with greater contention. There is wisdom in not seeking out conflicts, but in waiting on the Lord and showing a quiet and humble spirit. The more we pursue peace, even when we feel misunderstood, the more we reflect the Son of God and draw near to Him. Remembering no evil and refusing to hold onto resentment is what frees us and delights God.
We hear that you love your parents and that they are not abusing you, and we thank God for that. God calls us to honor our father and mother, even when we disagree and even when we see things differently because of personality or generation. Their concern about what you watch and play, even if you experience it as pestering, likely comes from a desire to protect you. It would be good to receive that concern with reverence and humility, and to answer it with peace rather than with strife. Consider speaking with them calmly, listening to why they are worried, showing them what you are actually playing and watching, and showing responsibility in how you use your time on the computer. Such steps often do more to bring peace than any argument.
At the same time, not every game or animated video is demonic, but not every form of entertainment is helpful either. We are called to holiness and to guard what enters our hearts and minds. Take time to ask honestly before the Lord whether what you are viewing and playing helps you to love Christ more, to think on what is true and pure and good, and to grow in faith, or whether it distracts you, wastes time, or dulls your conscience. Invite the Holy Spirit to give you discernment, and be willing to turn away from anything that does not honor Him.
We will pray for you now.
Father, we thank You that You are everywhere and that You uphold all things by Your power, and that You have made a way for us to be at peace with You through Jesus Christ alone. We ask You to guard this young person in Christ Jesus and to surround them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Grant protection from all evil and from the enemy's schemes, and keep their heart and mind in Christ. Bring peace into this home. Help these parents and their child to hear one another with love and patience, to speak truth with kindness, and to pursue peace together. Give wisdom to discern what is good and to turn from what is not helpful, and give grace to honor You in how time and entertainment are used. Make this home a place of peace and mutual respect, and help each person there to grow in holiness and love for You. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
If this tension continues, keep choosing the way of peace, keep honoring your parents, and keep bringing your heart to God in prayer and in His Word. He is faithful to guard those who trust in Him.
God is not a God of war and fighting, and His desire for His people is peace. Scripture says, Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God, and we are called to follow peace with all men and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. The peace that Christ gives is not like the peace the world gives. It guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus and it surpasses all understanding, keeping us even when there is tension around us.
In that spirit, we want to encourage you not to rush into conflict or to treat this family tension as spiritual warfare to be fought with greater contention. There is wisdom in not seeking out conflicts, but in waiting on the Lord and showing a quiet and humble spirit. The more we pursue peace, even when we feel misunderstood, the more we reflect the Son of God and draw near to Him. Remembering no evil and refusing to hold onto resentment is what frees us and delights God.
We hear that you love your parents and that they are not abusing you, and we thank God for that. God calls us to honor our father and mother, even when we disagree and even when we see things differently because of personality or generation. Their concern about what you watch and play, even if you experience it as pestering, likely comes from a desire to protect you. It would be good to receive that concern with reverence and humility, and to answer it with peace rather than with strife. Consider speaking with them calmly, listening to why they are worried, showing them what you are actually playing and watching, and showing responsibility in how you use your time on the computer. Such steps often do more to bring peace than any argument.
At the same time, not every game or animated video is demonic, but not every form of entertainment is helpful either. We are called to holiness and to guard what enters our hearts and minds. Take time to ask honestly before the Lord whether what you are viewing and playing helps you to love Christ more, to think on what is true and pure and good, and to grow in faith, or whether it distracts you, wastes time, or dulls your conscience. Invite the Holy Spirit to give you discernment, and be willing to turn away from anything that does not honor Him.
We will pray for you now.
Father, we thank You that You are everywhere and that You uphold all things by Your power, and that You have made a way for us to be at peace with You through Jesus Christ alone. We ask You to guard this young person in Christ Jesus and to surround them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Grant protection from all evil and from the enemy's schemes, and keep their heart and mind in Christ. Bring peace into this home. Help these parents and their child to hear one another with love and patience, to speak truth with kindness, and to pursue peace together. Give wisdom to discern what is good and to turn from what is not helpful, and give grace to honor You in how time and entertainment are used. Make this home a place of peace and mutual respect, and help each person there to grow in holiness and love for You. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
If this tension continues, keep choosing the way of peace, keep honoring your parents, and keep bringing your heart to God in prayer and in His Word. He is faithful to guard those who trust in Him.
