Dark times

Patricia: A friend has chosen to walk in darkness. Is it ever futile to attempt to — I hate  to say "save" — guide someone towards the light? I've been advised there is nothing I can do because this soul has chosen to walk that path.

Elyon: Your friend may be making the mistake of eternity, but then again, being a finite creature, may only temporarily be walking through the dark shadow only to emerge on the other side enriched through the error and more advanced as a result. However, it is a risky process and can lead to perils which the soul may not withstand. Your best method of ministry is the demonstration of light that you contain to stand in contrast. In a sense it is the turning of the cheek to allow the view of another way. Until the desire is kindled within the heart of this individual, only your demonstration can feed the initialization of this desire.

 Standing for who you are and what you believe in independently, without a coercing effect upon this person will allow the room for this soul to reach out and leave behind this chosen path. To attempt, as you put it, to save, this may cause hardening and withdrawal. But if you exemplify for yourself what you hold to be beautiful and true, it will tempt this person to seek to understand the peace and the confidence that you have.