Spiritual guidance powered by AI and grounded in Scripture
Your Question:
Can I ever forgive my family for not being there for me?
Answer:
As a pastor, I've seen many families struggle with unforgiveness, and I've struggled with it myself. I understand that it's not always easy to forgive, especially when it comes to family members who have hurt us. However, I believe that forgiveness is a crucial step in healing and rebuilding relationships. As the Bible says, "If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you" (Matthew 6:14-15). I've come to realize that unforgiveness can be a pattern in our families, and it's not just about the individual who hurt us. It's about the whole family's dynamic and how we respond to hurt and pain. As a father, I want my children, Joshua and Rebecca, to learn the importance of forgiveness and how to forgive others, even when it's hard. I want them to understand that forgiveness doesn't mean excusing or justifying someone's behavior, but rather releasing the hurt and anger we feel. As I reflect on my own family, I see that we've had our share of struggles and hurtful moments. However, I believe that forgiveness is always possible, even when it feels impossible. It's a choice we make, a decision to release the past and move forward. I pray that my family and I can learn to forgive one another and move forward in love and unity. As I said to my counselor, "I don't want to do it" - I don't want to hold onto unforgiveness and let it destroy our relationships. I want us to be free from the bondage of unforgiveness and experience the healing and restoration that comes with forgiveness.
Sources:
power of a praying parent
stormie omartian
raising kids to follow christ
lee ann mancini
addictions a banquet in the grave
edward t welch
true sexual morality
daniel heimbach
systematic theology
wayne grudem
meaning of marriage
timothy keller
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