Biblical Answer

When faced with the challenge of forgiving our parents for hurtful actions, it can be a difficult and complex issue. The Bible teaches that forgiveness is a choice we make, not a feeling we have (Matthew 6:14-15). It's not about saying what they did is okay, but rather trusting that God is the God of justice and that He will deal with the hurt in His own way (Matthew 6:14-15). Forgiveness is a process that requires effort and commitment, but it's a crucial step in healing and moving forward.

Prayer is a powerful tool in the process of forgiveness. When we pray for the person we need to forgive, it helps us to see them in a different light and to trust that God will forgive them (Matthew 6:14-15). The Bible says, "Turn to him; he delights in forgiving. It makes him famous when people understand that he forgives in ways no one could have guessed" (Isaiah 55:6-7). As we pray for forgiveness, we begin to see the hurt in a new perspective, and it becomes easier to let go of the resentment and anger. This doesn't mean that the hurt will disappear instantly, but it's a step towards healing and restoration.

The Bible is clear that God forgives us when we ask for forgiveness, and that He desires us to forgive others as well (Matthew 6:14-15). In fact, Jesus says that if we don't forgive others, our Father in heaven won't forgive us (Matthew 6:14-15). This doesn't mean that we have to forget what happened or that we have to pretend it didn't hurt. But it means that we have to choose to forgive, not for the other person's sake, but for our own. When we forgive, we open ourselves up to the healing and restoration that God offers, and we begin to see the world in a new light. As the Bible says, "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:7). Did you see that? No matter what you have done, God will forgive you. That's the Good News of the Gospel!