Biblical Answer

The Hurt of Family Estrangement

As I reflect on my family's history, I am reminded of the pain and hurt that can come from family estrangement. My family member's actions towards me were hurtful and caused me pain. However, I must also acknowledge that my family member was struggling with their own issues and was not in a good place emotionally. This does not excuse their behavior, but it does help me to understand the complexities of the situation.

The Importance of Forgiveness

As I grapple with the hurt of family estrangement, I am reminded of the importance of forgiveness. Forgiveness is not always easy, but it is essential for healing and moving forward. In the Bible, we are called to forgive others as we have been forgiven by God (Matthew 6:14-15). This means that we must let go of our resentment and anger towards our family member and choose to forgive them, not for their sake, but for ours. Forgiveness is a process, and it may take time, but it is a necessary step towards healing and reconciliation.

The Role of God in Forgiveness

In the midst of family estrangement, it is easy to feel alone and without support. However, as Christians, we know that God is always with us and is our Rock and our Refuge (Psalm 46:1). He is the one who calls us to forgive others and to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44). He is also the one who heals our wounds and brings us peace (Psalm 23:4). As I navigate the complexities of family estrangement, I am reminded of God's sovereignty and His desire to bring healing and restoration to our lives. I pray that He will guide me as I seek to forgive and to love my family member, even in the midst of hurt and pain.