Dear Pastor,

I am a 19-year-old Jamaican, who currently resides in the USA. Over the years, I have been reading your column and I am highly fascinated by your encouraging words and expertise. Thus, it is with great pleasure and admiration that I take this time to seek your advice.

Two years ago, I moved to the United States and, during these past years, I have been involved in a long-distance relationship for more than four years. I decided to follow the Lord and dedicated my life to Him. I told my fiancé about this and I've asked him to attend church. In fact, my exact words were for him to "start the journey" because my church adamantly speaks of being unequally yoked.

Unfortunately, right now I'm on the verge of calling it quits because I've told myself that I want nothing to separate me from the love of God. He tells me to have patience, but how much more am I expected to have? I do love him, but my soul seeks to please God more.

Should I call it quits or should I be patient and hope that he'll decide to walk the straight and narrow path? Thanks much for your attention to this matter. I look forward to both your spiritual and fatherly advice.

D.W., Florida, USA

Dear D.W.,

Thanks for your letter. I am glad you are attending church and trying to please the Lord in all that you do.

Concerning your boyfriend in Jamaica, I suggest that you continue to encourage him to attend church, but that you do not give him the impression that it is either your way or the highway. Salvation is of the Lord and, if this guy will be saved, God must do a work of grace in his heart.

Pray for him and keep him as your friend.

Pastor