Family Problems

[Kitty1809]

I'm not sure this is the right place to post but I am after advice. None of my family is Christian which I don't mind but it is leading to some conflict within me. My brother, who left the family when I was very young has tried to get back in contact. We have all talked to him seprately but I have just found out that he has been lying to my sister about what I have said - making a big conflict between my sister and I. Luckily she called and we managed to sort things out and got to the truth.

My main question is what should I do? I don't trust my brother, due to him leaving when we needed him and other events during our life. Should I carry on with contact, forgive him or leave things let him prove my trust in him?

 

[Drax]

Praying for you, sister! It is so hard to give advice or suggestions, isn't it? If I were in your place, I'd forgive him (just as Christ forgave us) - but since trust is earned, I wouldn't confide in him. At least, not yet. If the Lord is working in his life, he might well reach a place where you could trust him as you would want to do. For now, however, maybe pray hard and show Christian love to him!

 

[mahlalie]

Pretty much with Drax on this one. You can love someone without trusting them. I don't know that I would expect someone to be truthful about me after that, but I'd still love them. He is still your brother after all. Honestly, I've been in a similar situation with a non-family member. I don't trust a word the person says, but I'm perfectly capable of being cordial with them. I certainly wouldn't go out of my way to talk to them, though.

 

[sarahelizabeth]

You know what Girl Can Relate TO you in so many ways if you ever need to talk im here..
it stinks so bad that you give your heart to Jesus but yoru family tries to pull you away from that

i think you should forgive him sense he is your brother but he has no right doign what he did

 

[Harmony118]

I can kind of relate too Kitty! I cannot tell my brother who I have lived with and grown up with anything because he just can't not tell your business. It stinks because I'd really like to be able to share with him, but I can't. I still love him but I have had to kind of step back. I have begun to pray he finds his way and hope one day I can trust him - it'd make me really happy.

 

[Luther073082]

Well you certainly need to forgive him, but that doesn't mean that you automatically start trusting him again.

But if you can't forgive, you won't be forgiven.

14For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.