Biblical Answer

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Your Question:

how can i forgive myself for not being able to protect my family?

Answer:

As a pastor and a husband, I can relate to the struggle of forgiving oneself for not being able to protect one's family. I've seen this struggle in my own congregation, where individuals grapple with feelings of guilt and responsibility for not being able to shield their loved ones from harm. It's a heavy burden to carry, but I've come to realize that unforgiveness only perpetuates the pain and suffering.

The Bible teaches us that forgiveness is a fundamental aspect of our relationship with God and with others. In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus says, "If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." This verse reminds us that forgiveness is a two-way street - when we forgive others, we open ourselves up to forgiveness from God. It's a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles and that God is present in our difficult situations.

As a father, I've learned that forgiveness is not just about letting go of hurt feelings, but also about modeling it for our children. When we teach our children to forgive, we give them the tools to navigate the complexities of relationships and to break free from the cycle of unforgiveness. My wife, Susan, and I have tried to model forgiveness in our own marriage, learning to extend grace and forgiveness to each other despite our imperfections. It's not always easy, but it's a vital part of building a strong and healthy family.

Sources:

power of a praying parent
stormie omartian
addictions a banquet in the grave
edward t welch
raising kids to follow christ
lee ann mancini
true sexual morality
daniel heimbach
systematic theology
wayne grudem
depression
edward welch
sacred marriage
gary thomas

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