**The Hurt of Family Estrangement**
It breaks my heart to think about the lost years of those who have been hurt by family members. Family estrangement is not only painful, but it's also unbiblical. God calls us as the body of Christ to love, support, and forgive. When someone harms us through their words or actions, it's natural to feel hurt, anger, and resentment. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to forgive, not for the sake of the person who hurt us, but for our own sake.
**The Importance of Forgiveness**
Forgiveness is a crucial step in healing and moving forward. When we choose to forgive, we release the hurt and anger that has been holding us back. Forgiveness doesn't mean that the other person's actions were okay or that we have to reconcile with them. Forgiveness means that we choose to let go of the negative emotions associated with the hurt and move forward. In the Bible, Jesus teaches us to forgive others as we have been forgiven by God (Matthew 6:14-15). Forgiveness is not always easy, but it's essential for our spiritual growth and well-being.
**A Biblical Perspective on Forgiveness**
In the Bible, we see many examples of forgiveness, including the story of Joseph, who forgave his brothers for selling him into slavery (Genesis 50:15-21). We also see the story of the woman who was caught in adultery, who was forgiven by Jesus (John 8:1-11). These stories demonstrate the importance of forgiveness in our relationships with others. When we choose to forgive, we reflect the character of God, who forgives us and loves us unconditionally. By forgiving others, we can experience healing, freedom, and a deeper relationship with God. As followers of Christ, we are called to forgive others, not because they deserve it, but because we have been forgiven by God.