Young People Q&A

Each month we pose questions by young people with issues that they (or you) are facing today. If you have a question that you'd like to have answered online at Grace's Place, click here to send email.

Question: I'm 19 years old and in college. Last month, I met a guy online in a Christian chat room and we get along really well. From what I can tell, he seems to be seriously devoted to God. I'm writing because he thinks we should meet and I really want to. What should I do?

Signed, Chatty

Answer: Chat rooms can be fun, and I know that true friendships can be developed with people met there. However, as you probably have experienced, the anonymity of chat rooms makes it very easy for people to misrepresent themselves.

While I am always supportive of meeting new people and developing friendships, I cannot overestimate the importance of prayer and wisdom in making this decision. If I were you, I would suggest you meet him along with trusted, mature members of your youth group for dinner or coffee. If he is truly interested in getting to know you better, he will be OK with you bringing along your posse. In fact, I recommend you not be alone with him at any point. Keep your testimony and integrity intact, stay alert, and have fun!

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Question: I'm having a problem trusting girls at my church. It seems like everything I tell them becomes headline news. Maybe they just don't like me. I am only 15 and so it's not like I can change churches or anything and sometimes I feel so upset that I don't even want to go. What can I do?

Signed, Tired of being in the news

Answer: First, remind yourself that church is not a social club, it is a place of worship. I know that is hard to remember when "friends" act nasty. But, once you are keyed in on the purpose of church, you will be focused and actually enjoy it! Second, true friendships come and go throughout our lives. It is not common to find people you can trust with your secrets. Since you have learned that the hard way, keep the information you don't want shared to yourself. Or , you may choose instead to share it with trusted older youth or sisters in your church who don't have anything to gain by telling your secrets to others. Lastly, consider the possibility that God has allowed you to experience this discomfort so that you may cultivate your friendship with Him. Take advantage of this time to learn more about God, and remember to continue to be friendly throughout this difficulty!

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