Keeping Other's secrets

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Gmsod

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Hello everyone.
So me and my brother are in high school and he is now graduating and moving off to college.
He told me a little while back that he was not a Christian and we talked for a while about that.
Afterwards he told me not to let my grandparents or siblings know because of how hard they would take it (my parents know).
I agreed and haven’t said anything, but I recently realized that I really wish my grandparents and siblings could also be praying for him.
Is it acceptable or even right for me to tell them this information or would keeping his secret be wrong?

All advise and similar situations are appreciated.
Also please pray for him and me.
GOD bless.
 
You should really speak to your parents about this and see what they think you should do or not do.
 
Since your parents know, there’s no reason to share his business with others. Ask the Blessed Mother to pray for him.
 
I don’t find what your brother said to be shocking in any way, unless perhaps he is participating in a lot of Christian programs or something.

Most people that age go through a stage like that. Your parents would probably be aware that this happens to most people at some point in their youth. I doubt your grandparents would be shocked either. They are probably more aware of what’s going on than you think they are. They would probably be praying for all of their grandchildren regardless.
 
Knowing grandparents, yours are probably praying for him (and all their grandchildren) anyway. I don’t think I would break my siblings confidence. Talk to your parents and see what they think. And pray for him.
 
If he has been baptized, he IS a Christian and will be for eternity. He may be a non-practicing Christian.

I’d suggest you do some reading over at https://strangenotions.com/

This will help you be better prepared for future conversations.
 
I went through a similar phase when I was a bit younger. I told my parents and they said they wouldn’t say anything but of course they told my grandparents and godparents so that they could pray for me (which I found out years later after I returned to the faith). I’m guessing your grandparents already know 🙂 but just keep praying for him. Maybe do not tell young siblings especially because this might influence them.
 
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OP, as a general rule, be careful of how you accept others’ “secrets.” In this case, I see no need to tell others about your brother’s faith choices, but when someone starts telling you a secret you should let them know if it makes you uncomfortable. If you will be required to lie, for instance, it isn’t fair to ask you to keep a secret; or if keeping a secret will result in harm, you shouldn’t do it. If someone confides in you thoughts of harming themselves or others, tell a trusted adult; or if a family member starts to tell you a big, potentially divisive piece of news–“Don’t tell your father, but when I was young I placed a baby for adoption”-type news–you should tell the person that you’re extremely uncomfortable being asked to keep this a secret.

Again, this isn’t really relevant to your situation. However, I hope that your brother will eventually show sufficient maturity to own his faith choices in a respectful way, and not to treat them as Deep Dark Secrets.
 
thank you for the general and specific advise. please be in prayer to
thanks and GOD bless you!
 
Your brother needs someone he can trust. Remember, God knows that he doesn’t consider himself a Christian. Yours, and your parents’ prayers should suffice, for the time being. As for telling your extended family, let your parents make the decision. Remain the person who he trusted to keep his secret.
 
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