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Your Question:
Can I ever forgive myself for not being able to take care of my parent?
Answer:
Forgiving oneself for not being able to take care of a parent is a complex issue. As a pastor, I've seen many families struggle with similar concerns. Every parent makes mistakes, and it's unrealistic to expect perfection. I've come to realize that I've had regrets as a parent too, especially when it comes to my own children, Joshua and Rebecca. I've wished I had known certain things or reacted differently in certain situations. However, I've learned that forgiveness is not just about letting go of the past, but also about recognizing that we're all human and prone to mistakes. My Christian counselor once told me that struggling with sin, including unforgiveness, often stems from unconfessed sin or a choice to continue doing it. I've reconfessed my unforgiveness towards my own family members, but I still struggle with it. I've come to see that this pattern of unforgiveness is not unique to me, but rather a common trait in many families. As I reflect on my own parenting, I realize that I've made mistakes, but I've also tried to learn from them. I've asked my children for forgiveness when I've blown it, and I've worked to restore our relationships. I've also sought to model forgiveness in my own life, so that my children can see the importance of it. Just as God forgives us when we ask, I believe we can forgive ourselves for not being perfect parents. It's a process, but one that requires humility, repentance, and a willingness to learn and grow.
Sources:
raising passionate jesus followers
phil diane comer
power of a praying parent
stormie omartian
introduction biblical ethics
robertson mcquilkin
systematic theology
wayne grudem
raising kids to follow christ
lee ann mancini
biblical critical theory
christopher watkin
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