Biblical Answer

The Hurtful Actions of Family Members

When we think about the hurtful actions of family members, it's essential to consider the biblical perspective on forgiveness and reconciliation. According to Scripture, we are called to love and forgive those who have wronged us, just as God has forgiven us through Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:14-15, Ephesians 4:32). This doesn't mean that we ignore the pain and hurt caused by their actions, but rather that we choose to forgive and release them from the burden of guilt and shame.

In the provided text, the author reflects on the hurtful actions of their family member, who had been moved into their home from a psychiatric ward. The author notes that this family member "homed in" on their parents almost immediately, causing them significant stress and discomfort. The author also mentions that their parents had to forgive their family member for their hurtful actions, and that they needed to do the same. This illustrates the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation in family relationships, even when family members have caused harm.

The biblical perspective on forgiveness and reconciliation is not about ignoring the hurt or pain caused by family members, but rather about choosing to forgive and release them from guilt and shame. As the author notes, "family estrangement is not only painful, it's unbiblical." This means that we are called to love, support, and forgive our family members, even when they have wronged us. By choosing to forgive and reconcile, we can break free from the cycle of hurt and pain, and build stronger, more loving relationships with our family members.