Biblical Answer

Forgiveness is a Choice, Not a Feeling

Forgiveness is a process that involves a choice, not a feeling. It's not about how you feel towards your parents, but about making a decision to forgive them. The Bible says, "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you" (Colossians 3:13). Forgiveness is a choice you make, and it's a choice that can bring healing and restoration to your life and relationships. When you choose to forgive, you're not saying that what your parents did was okay, but rather that you're releasing the negative emotions and hurt associated with the situation. This doesn't mean that you have to forget or deny what happened, but rather that you're choosing to move forward and not let the past define your present.

Praying for Your Parents

Praying for your parents is a powerful way to begin the forgiveness process. The Bible says, "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you" (Luke 6:27-28). Praying for your parents shows that you're willing to release your anger and hurt and seek God's blessing and forgiveness for them. It's not about condoning their behavior, but rather about seeking God's will and His forgiveness for them. When you pray for your parents, you're asking God to work in their lives and to bring them to a place of repentance and forgiveness. This can be a difficult step, but it's a crucial one in the forgiveness process.

Loving Your Parents as Yourself

Loving your parents as yourself means choosing to love and care for them, even when it's difficult. The Bible says, "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31). This means that you should love your parents in the same way that you would want to be loved, even if they've hurt or wronged you. This doesn't mean that you have to agree with their behavior or condone it, but rather that you're choosing to love and care for them as a child of God. When you love your parents as yourself, you're showing them that you're committed to your relationship with them, even when it's difficult. This can be a powerful way to bring healing and restoration to your family and to demonstrate God's love and forgiveness to those around you.