My child walked away from the faith
Few griefs run deeper for a believing parent, and the first thing to put down is the crushing assumption that this is your fault. Scripture shows godly parents with wayward children and wayward parents with godly children - each soul answers to God (Ezekiel 18:20), and even God's own children rebelled: 'I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me' (Isaiah 1:2). Your assignment now is not argument but faithfulness: unceasing prayer (Luke 18:1), unbroken love, and a door that stays open.
The father of the prodigal did not chase his son down or lecture him home - but he watched the road, and 'when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran' (Luke 15:20). Keep the relationship alive wherever conscience allows; win them with warmth, not pressure (1 Peter 3:1 applies beyond marriage). Stories are not over while people are alive, and God pursues your child with a patience longer than yours - 'The Lord is...
not willing that any should perish' (2 Peter 3:9).
From Bible Navigator's study library. Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (public domain). This is encouragement for study and reflection, not professional counseling - if you are in crisis, call or text 988.