Biblical Answer

The Pain of Family Estrangement

Family estrangement can be a painful and complex issue, and it's essential to approach it with compassion and understanding. When a family member causes harm through their words or actions, it can lead to feelings of hurt, anger, and betrayal. In the provided text, the author reflects on their own experiences with family estrangement, acknowledging the pain and lost years that come with it.

The Importance of Forgiveness and Love

The Bible teaches us to love, support, and forgive one another, even in the face of hurt and betrayal. As the author notes, "Family estrangement is not only painful, it's unbiblical." This means that as Christians, we are called to respond to hurtful situations with love, kindness, and forgiveness, rather than allowing them to lead to further estrangement. This requires a willingness to forgive, not just those who have wronged us, but also ourselves, as we recognize our own limitations and mistakes.

A Pattern of Estrangement in the Family

The author notes a pattern of estrangement in their family, where loved ones have been hurt or pushed away due to their actions or words. This can be a challenging and painful experience, and it's essential to acknowledge the hurt and pain that has been caused. However, as the author suggests, it's possible to forgive and move forward, rather than allowing the pain of estrangement to become a major breach in family ties. This requires a willingness to seek forgiveness, both from others and from God, and to work towards healing and restoration in our relationships. Ultimately, forgiveness and love are essential components of healing and rebuilding our relationships with one another.