Biblical Answer

Can I really forgive my adult child for betraying me?

As a Christian, we are called to forgive others as God has forgiven us (Matthew 6:14-15, Colossians 3:13). However, forgiving our adult child for betraying us can be a difficult and painful process. We may feel hurt, angry, and justified in holding onto these emotions. But, as the Bible says, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). This doesn't mean that we condone or excuse their behavior, but rather that we choose to forgive and release them from our anger and resentment. Forgiveness is not about the other person, but about us and our relationship with God. When we choose to forgive, we are not only releasing our child from our anger, but also ourselves from the weight of bitterness and hurt.

The Bible teaches us that forgiveness is a choice, not a feeling. We may not feel like forgiving our child, but we can choose to forgive them anyway. This requires humility, surrender, and trust in God's sovereignty. We must also recognize that our child's betrayal is not a reflection of our worth or value as a parent. Their actions are a reflection of their own choices and character, not ours. By forgiving our child, we are not excusing or justifying their behavior, but rather choosing to release them from our anger and resentment. This allows us to move forward in our relationship with them, and to seek healing and restoration.

Forgiveness is not a one-time event, but a process that requires effort and commitment. It may take time, and it may require us to confront our own pain and hurt. But, as the Bible says, "God is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20). He can bring healing and restoration to our relationships, and He can help us to forgive our children even when it seems impossible. Let us choose to forgive, not for our child's sake, but for our own. Let us choose to forgive, not because they deserve it, but because God has forgiven us, and we want to be like Him.