HOW CAN YOU HELP A "PRODIGAL"" CHILD?

Do Not Give Up

Helping a "prodigal" child 'come to his sense' requires patience and can be a challenge to parents and others.  But do not give up.  "Jehovah is not slow respecting his promise, as some people consider slowness, but he is patient with you because he does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance."  (2 Peter 3:9)  We have the Scriptural assurance that Jehovah wants people to repent and live.  In fact, he has taken the initiative in making an arrangement to reconcile humans to himself.  (2 Corinthians 5:18, 19)  His patience has made it possible for millions to come to their senses. -Isaiah 2:2, 3.

Should not parents, then, use every Scriptural method possible to help their prodigal minor to come to his senses?  Imitating Jehovah, be long-suffering as you take possible steps to help your child come back to Jehovah. Firmly stick to Bible principles, and try to reflect Jehovah's qualities of love, justice and wisdom while you pray to him for his help.  Just as many hardened rebels have responded to Jehovah's loving invitation to come back, your prodigal son or daughter may well return to God's protective flock. -Luke 15:6, 7.

Next time: Reaching Those Hard to Reach

Watchtower, 2001