Dear Abigail: Struggling with family criticism of your faith

Dear Faith Under Fire,

First, I want to say that I understand the weight of what you’re feeling. The tension you’re experiencing is something that many believers face—and, in some parts of the world, the consequences of standing firm in your faith can be even more severe. It’s comforting to know that you’re not alone in this struggle, even though I know it feels isolating right now.

When we come to Christ, we change. Our faith in Him transforms us, and that change can create a divide between us and those who aren’t on the same path. It’s especially painful when family doesn’t support your faith, and suddenly, the people closest to you become distant or even hostile. Often, our family and friends see us as someone different—someone who no longer shares the same values, or perhaps no longer fits comfortably into their world of sin and fleeting pleasures. The contrast is stark, and sometimes it feels like a battle between your new identity in Christ and the relationships that once meant so much.

But, you are not alone. Jesus spoke about this very divide in Matthew 10:34-36:
“Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.”

These words from Jesus were not meant to bring despair but to show us that this opposition is part of the journey. As believers, we will experience the same sufferings that Christ did—rejection, misunderstanding, even hatred. We are being conformed to His image, and that means walking the path He walked, knowing that He too faced isolation and rejection from those closest to Him.

So, how do you stay strong when family doesn’t support your faith? First, understand that this is a normal response. It’s natural for loved ones to push back against your faith when it challenges their way of life. You may find it especially hard because you’ve shared deep, meaningful relationships with them before you came to faith. But know this: their criticism and objections are not personal attacks—they are simply reflections of the spiritual divide between light and darkness. They may not understand, but their questions give you an opportunity to share the gospel with them.

Share your faith in many ways, and remember, sometimes your life is the most powerful testimony. People watch us, especially when we stand firm in faith. As they see you walk through trials with peace, love, and strength, they will witness the change Christ has made in you. Let their questions, critiques, and misunderstandings be an invitation for you to share the hope that is within you.

And don’t carry this burden alone. Stay connected to a community of believers who will encourage and support you. Surround yourself with people who share your faith, pray with you, and help lift you up when you feel weak. You are part of a body of Christ that is meant to bear each other's burdens (Galatians 6:2).

When facing opposition, take comfort in the stories of others who walked this difficult path. Look at the lives of Job, who faced criticism and isolation yet never denied his faith. Consider Joseph, who was rejected by his own family but remained faithful to God’s calling. Think of Paul, who endured persecution and rejection for the sake of the gospel but continued to share Christ's love with anyone who would listen.

I know it’s easier said than done, but keep your eyes on Jesus. His grace is sufficient for you, and He will strengthen you in ways you cannot even imagine. Stay loving, stay grounded in prayer, and don’t give up on your loved ones. God will continue to use you, even in these moments of opposition.

You are not alone. God sees you, and He’s with you every step of the way.

With love and prayers,
Abigail