Questions & Answers

I love the Church, but my parents don’t. How do I show them that I would like to have my whole family active?

Loving the Church when your parents don’t is often painful, especially when you see them making choices that you know will hurt them. Even though it’s difficult, remember that they have their agency and that they’re also beloved children of Heavenly Father.

Here are some ideas to think about in order to help you in your desire to have the gospel in your home:

1. Don’t argue with your parents about the Church. Remember that contention will drive the Spirit away. Focus on the good that is in them, and be obedient.

2. Live the gospel and let them see the joy it brings into your life. Continue to read the scriptures, attend your Sunday meetings, and pray often. Being a good example will often soften hearts and help them want to know more.

3. Don’t give up. Let your parents know you love them. You never know what will touch them and lead them to the Church. Love is often the key.

4. Trust in the Lord and His timetable. Remember that He is in charge and knows all things.

Share Your Testimony in Small Ways

If you do things such as read the scriptures, say your prayers, and attend church regularly, you will be sharing your testimony with your parents in these small and simple ways. They will see your example and know that you love the Church. Also, consider sharing with them your testimony of eternal families. Hopefully when they see your righteous desire to be united eternally with your family, their hearts will be softened.

Sienna G., 14, Utah, USA

Have Patience and Faith

If you’ve done your best to have your family attend church but they still won’t come, don’t forget that you can fast and pray for them, like missionaries do when their investigators don’t want to go to church. We can fast for many reasons, and we can fast for the good of our family. Fasting can help those we love to see the light and the truth. Just have patience and faith that one day your family may come to church and be active.

Xyron C., 17, Philippines

Pray about It

Pray about your question and see what God says. Maybe your parents just need some time. See if you can have the missionaries over for dinner. Or ask your bishop if you could give a talk in sacrament meeting and invite them to it. Just find ways for them to meet your “Church family.”

Meredith M., 14, Florida, USA

Show Your Good Example

I’m the only member of the Church in my family, and I show them how I love the Church by attending every Church activity we have. I share with them how the Church and the members help and encourage me to stand strong. I know that it’s worth it to show your good example and how happy you are as a person because you have the gospel in your life. You can feel that happiness when you obey what the Lord wants you to do, and He will bless you and also your whole family.

Lyca E., 21, Philippines

Responses are intended for help and perspective, not as official pronouncements of Church doctrine.

Trust in the Lord

“I offer some … thoughts for those who love a family member who is not making good choices. That can challenge our patience and endurance. We need to trust in the Lord and in His timing that a positive response to our prayers and rescue efforts can occur. We do all that we can to serve, to bless, and to submissively acknowledge God’s will in all things. We exercise faith and remember that there are some things that must be left to the Lord. He invites us to set our burdens down at His feet. With faith we can know that this straying loved one is not abandoned but is in the watchcare of a loving Savior.

“Recognize the good in others, not their stains. … Always build on his or her virtues.

“When you feel that there is only a thin thread of hope, it is really not a thread but a massive connecting link, like a life preserver to strengthen and lift you. It will provide comfort so you can cease to fear. Strive to live worthily and place your trust in the Lord.”

Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “For Peace at Home,” Ensign, May 2013, 31.

For more help on this subject, read the following addresses from the April 2015 general conference:

• Rosemary Wixom, Primary general president, “Returning to the Faith,” Ensign, May 2015, 93.

• Elder Brent H. Nielson of the Seventy, “Waiting for the Prodigal,” Ensign, May 2015, 101.

Upcoming Question

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Responses may be edited for length or clarity.