You gave your life to Christ—the greatest decision you could ever make. But what if now you return to a family that isn’t saved yet? The thought may feel daunting, and there may even be consequences of your decision to follow Jesus that you now have to face. It is no small feat to stand firm in faith while surrounded by those who don’t share it.
I grew up in India as a Christian in a country that is predominantly non-Christian. From a young age, I witnessed the hatred, persecution, and resentment often directed at Christians. At first, it was something I observed in the lives of others. But it became painfully personal after I married into a Hindu family, where my husband was the only believer. The hostility intensified while we lived with my in-laws. They branded me a curse, an omen, and even a swindler—accusing me of marrying only for wealth, since in India, Jesus is often perceived as the “God of the poor.” At first, it broke my heart to face such deep rejection of my faith. But in time, that sorrow turned into a burden to pray for my new family, because I knew they desperately needed the Savior.
Perhaps your story is similar to mine. Maybe God has placed you among people who have never heard of Jesus—or who even despise Him—so that you might be the light in their darkness. If this is you, you may be wondering: How do I live out my faith in my family?
Be Loving
A friend once told me, “For some, your life will be the Bible they read to know Christ.” Scripture reminds us to “walk in love, just as Christ also loved you” (Ephesians 5:2). This means valuing one another, practicing empathy and compassion, and unselfishly seeking the good of others. The love of Christ within us should shape the love that flows out of us.
Jesus Himself chose to love even those who persecuted Him. When He suffered, “He did not retaliate; when He was insulted, He did not threaten, but He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23). On our own, it is impossible to love like this. But in light of what Christ has done, His Spirit empowers us to extend that same love—even to those who misunderstand or mistreat us.
In my own life, I have seen the power of this love. For years, I endured cold stares and sharp words from my in-laws. Yet slowly, through acts of kindness—caring, serving, forgiving—love began to break down walls. In the seventh year of our marriage, the very people who once accused me of marrying for money finally admitted I had not sought wealth but love. From that moment, they welcomed me fully into their family.
Sometimes the seeds we plant take years to take root and bear fruit. That is why we are called to be patient, to extend grace, and to choose love again and again, remembering the words of Scripture: “Love bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things [looking for the best in each one], hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times], endures all things [without weakening]” (1 Corinthians 13:7).
Be Intentional
When we look at Jesus, we see that He was always intentional in how He engaged people. One of the clearest examples is His meeting with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4). He went out of His way to be in a place Jews typically avoided, just to meet this one woman. Through their conversation, she came to believe in Him.
Being intentional can be as simple as asking someone how their day was, sharing a meal, or listening when they need to talk. When surrendered to God, even the smallest expressions can leave behind a lasting impression of love. Ask God to help you notice these moments, and be gentle and intentional—listening with care, sharing your story when prompted, and opening your heart to meaningful conversations.
One of the hardest lessons I learned was not to impose my faith but to let my life reflect Christ. Though my family resisted His Word, they could not overlook the patience, kindness, and forgiveness His Spirit was forming in me—gentle sparks that stirred their hearts toward Jesus.
As you seek the Lord, trust that the Holy Spirit will guide you to the right people, the right doors, and the right conversations. Sometimes this will mean going the extra mile—staying up late to listen, showing up when others don’t, or forgiving when it feels unfair. Remember: you don’t need to make it big to make a difference. You only need to make it count. A single step of faith, taken in trust, can change eternity for someone else.
Be Prayerful
Prayer is the lifeline of every believer—especially if you’re the only Christian in your family. It’s not just asking God to change others’ hearts but also allowing Him to shape your own. Prayer strengthens faith, builds perseverance, and anchors the soul in God when the weight of the journey presses in.
The Bible urges us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). In that quiet persistence, we not only invite God’s hand to move, but we also learn to rest in His perfect timing. Pray for your family by name. Pray for moments of conversation. Pray for blind eyes to be opened. Above all, pray that the love of Christ will overflow from your life in ways words alone cannot.
Prayer also frees us from the burden of trying to win souls and entrusts that sacred work to the only One who can save. Jesus said, “Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest field” (Matthew 9:38). The harvest is His, and it is His power that draws hearts. Our hope is not in our own hands to bring the harvest, but in the Lord whose hands are working it.
You Are Not Alone
When the insults cut deep, when rejection feels heavy, and when fear presses in, remember this: you are not alone. Jesus promised, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). Let His presence steady your heart and give you courage to “be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12).
The God who saved you is merciful and able to save your loved ones. So, keep walking in love, living with intention, and remaining steadfast in prayer. Fix your eyes on Him—the Author and Finisher of your faith (Hebrews 12:2)—and trust that He is working, even now. May His nearness be your strength and His promises your hope, until the day your family encounters His saving grace.
