forgiveness and prayer

[jessiegirl]

The other night my mother-in-law, who lives over 2000 miles away called me and accused me of doing things I didn't do. I kept telling her she was wrong, that what she was accusing me of, she had no idea or clue about. She kept up with her accusing and the tone of her voice was cruel. I finally couldn't take any more and began to cry. I finally just hung up. My oldest daughter was aware of what was going on (14 years old) and called my mother-in-law and told her she could not treat her mom that way. My daughter told her the things she was accusing me of were actually being done by my husband. The mother-in-law told her it was me. When my husband got home, I told him to call her and set the record straight and to take responsibility for what HE had done. When he called his mother, she denied accusing me of anything. At lease my daughter heard her accusations too. Right now I am having a hard time with my resentment and bitterness. I knoe the right thing to do is to forgive her, prayer for her and move on. I can't pray for her right now and be sincere. I know bitterness is wrong. Does anyone else struggle with this? I think in time I can do it. But right now I am too hurt. Any suggestions?

jessiegirl

 

[Stanfi]

jessiegirl,

When we have been deeply hurt, forgiveness is often very hard, but yes, it is essential. The Bible states in Matthew that if we can't forgive each other, then God won't forgive us.

Forgiveness sometimes is a process and not an action. I would start by praying to God, and tell Him that you know you need to forgive this person, but that you are having a hard time, and ask him to help you. Pickup up your Bible, read everything thing that you can find in the index and concordance about forgivness.

The Bible says that if you seek you will find. If you truly seek forgivenss in your heart towards this person, with God's help you will find it. Granted if may not come overnight, but it will come.

Also pray for this person. Ask God to bless them. I know this is very hard but essential also. We are instructed to pray for our enemies, and those who hurt us. The Bible says this is like heaping hot coals on their heads.

 

[jessiegirl]

Thanks mrstance. I know you are right. I know I will be able to do this. I guess I have to let the hurt subside a little.

jessiegirl

 

[spikenard]

I'm not married but I have a girlfriend and their was about 4 months there that me and her parents were almost on fist fighting terms. It was the worst conflict I have ever been in. We finally resolved it by counseling. The counselor made it clear that we (me and the parents) didn't trust each other and that stopped a relationship that we needed to have. He made us drop the fight for a week and try to talk about neutral things like the weather, ball games, concerts, etc... and by doing this we could 1)calm down and let the anger subside, 2)learn more about each other (hopefully things we liked) and 3)just build trust because you cant have a relationship without trust. best wishes

 

[cyberwing]

Jessiegirl,
First, Mr. Stace is right! Very sound advice. I ask you though, be patient with yourself. You are hurt right now. Jesus knows this. Take it to Him and each time the hurt tries to come at you again, simply take it right back to the cross. Tell Jesus how much you want to forgive but how hurt you are. HE understands, believe me.
I too feel your pain, as I went through something hauntingly familiar only I was pregnant at the time and shortly after the verbal attack I lost my baby to miscarriage. I still fight with having to run back to the cross with that one now and then when I think of it. *sigh* Time for me to go back to the prayer closet......{{{hugs}}}
Hang in there and we will keep praying for you to find strength. You do the same for me!
~DJ

 

[jessiegirl]

Cyberwing...Wow!!!! What an inspiration you are! The resentment and hurt are fading for me now. I am more willing to SINCERELY pray for my mother-in-law. I will pray for you. I admire your strength and faith.

jessiegirl