HOW CAN YOU HELP A "PRODIGAL"" CHILD?

Be Patient but Firm

When a youth starts to drift away, he may try to isolate himself and resist any effort by his parents to have a spiritual discussion with him.  What can parents do in such trying situation?  Consider what Jehovah did with ancient Israel.  He pup up with the  "stiff-necked" Israelites for over 900 years before abandoning them to their wayward path.  (Exodus 34:9; 2 Chronicles  36:17-21; Romans 10:21)  Despite their repeatedly  'putting him to the test,' Jehovah  "was merciful" to them.  "Many times he made his anger turn back, and he would not rouse up all his rage." (Psalm 78:38-42) God was faultless in his dealings with them.  Loving parents imitate Jehovah and are patient when the child not immediately respond to their efforts to help him.

Being long-suffering, or patient, does not mean "suffering long;"  it denotes a refusal to give up all hope for improvement in a disturbed relationship. Jehovah set an example of how to be long-suffering.  He took the initiative by sending his messengers to the Israelites "again and again."  Jehovah "felt compassion for his people," even though "they were continually  making  jest  at the messengers of  the true God despising his words."  ( 2 Chronicles 36:15, 16)   He appealed to the Israelites, saying:  "Turn back, please,  every one from his bad way."  (Jeremiah 25:4, 5) Yet, Jehovah did not compromise his righteous principles. The Israelites were instructed to "turn back" to God and to his ways. 

Parents can imitate Jehovah in being long-suffering by not hastily giving up on the deviating child.  Without losing hope, they can take the initiative to keep the lines of communication open or to reestablish communication.  While sticking to righteous principles, they can "again and again" appeal to the child to return to the way of the truth.

Next time: When a Minor Is Disfellowshipped

Watchtower, 2001