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Q. Not long ago, my girlfriend broke up with me. I hadn't been living my faith, and that really hurt her and ruined our relationship. I'm growing in my faith again, but she won't talk to me. I pray a lot about this, and I hope we can get back together. Is there anything I can do other than pray?

A. Prayer is a great way to get your life and relationships back on track. But prayer isn't just about asking for what you want. It's also about listening to God and living to do his will.

As for the changes you've made, it sounds like you're trying to move away from the lifestyle that was hurting your girlfriend and your faith. That's fantastic. Now, take it even further by developing a lifestyle that helps you live the life God wants for you. Join a youth group or Christian club, cultivate friendships with other Christians at your school. Be a person of honesty, humility, grace, kindness and compassion. Acknowledge the hurt you have caused other people and ask for their forgiveness. If your ex won't talk to you, write her a note and own up to the mistakes you made. Ask for her forgiveness. But don't ask for forgiveness because you hope she'll want to date you again. She may not even want to be your friend anymore. Ask for forgiveness because it's the right thing to do.

All of this may or may not help you get back together with your former girlfriend. But if you're serious about living out your faith, this kind of life will be its own reward.

Copyright © 2008 by the author or Christianity Today International/Ignite Your Faith magazine.
Click here for reprint information on Ignite Your Faith.

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