Many evangelicals were surprised last week to learn that Josh and Shannon Harris—the couple introduced in Boy Meets Girl (2000), follow-up to the bestselling I Kissed Dating Goodbye (1997)—are separating after 20 years of marriage. We were further shocked, and particularly grieved, to hear that Josh has renounced his faith in Jesus. Surely this news bears the most pain for those who have known him best—family members, former church members, and friends from various seasons of his life.

How do we make sense of an announcement like this, especially from someone whose sermons and books have so helped so many? (I, for one, benefited greatly from Sex Is Not the Problem (Lust Is) in college, Dug Down Deep in seminary, and Stop Dating the Church as an intern at Capitol Hill Baptist Church.) In what is surely one of the most sobering pieces we’ve ever published at TGC, four old friends of Josh’s—Kevin DeYoung, Justin Taylor, Collin Hansen, and Greg Gilbert—seek to process this painful news both personally and pastorally.

As you read their reflection, pray for Josh, his family, and those close to him. But don’t stop there. Pray also for yourself. For each of us needs God’s grace—daily, hourly, omnipotent grace—in order to keep repenting and believing until the day he brings us safely home.

Despite Josh’s present plans, may he come to find peace in the Savior he once professed. And if the day arrives when he sees the bankruptcy of life without the Lamb slain, may Josh know that no matter how many steps he’s taken away from Jesus, it only takes one to get back.