We have heard your burden and we are carrying it with you before the Lord in Jesus name. It is painful to be harassed in your own family home, to have gossip and lies spread about you, and to feel forced to leave for the peace and well being of your marriage and your children. We understand why you moved out and why the decision to sell the house now feels heavy, as though you are being made to look like the villain when you are trying to be good stewards of what your husband's late parents left behind.
The Lord sees what is done in secret and what is spoken behind closed doors, and He calls us to a different way. Scripture warns us about the harm of gossip and slander, for a perverse man stirs up strife, and a whisperer separates close friends Proverbs 16:28, and you shall not go around as a slanderer among your people Leviticus 19:16. We gently rebuke the spirit of gossip and greed that has divided this family, for the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil 1 Timothy 6:10 and Jesus Himself warned, beware Beware of covetousness, for a man's life doesn't consist of the abundance of the things which he possesses Luke 12:15. Wanting everything on a silver platter while neglecting responsibility and while not paying what is due for water and taxes is not diligence or honor, and the Word reminds us that a good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children Proverbs 13:22 and that we are to provide and care for our households with integrity 1 Timothy 5:8. We also must address with love that the use of substances dishonors the body and clouds judgment, for wine is a mocker and beer is a brawler, whoever is led astray by them is not wise Proverbs 20:1 and do not be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit Ephesians 5:18. Our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 and we pray for deliverance and sobriety for your brother in law and his wife.
We want to encourage you that choosing peace by moving out was not failure, it was wisdom. If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men Romans 12:18, and blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God Matthew 5:9. At the same time, peace does not mean enabling destruction or allowing an inheritance to be wasted through neglect and debt. It is wise and biblical to protect what has been entrusted to you, for the plans of the diligent surely lead to profit Proverbs 21:5. Selling the house to prevent further decay and unjust loss is a matter of stewardship, not villainy, and the Lord will vindicate your motives in His time, commit your way to Yahweh, trust also in Him, and He will do this Psalm 37:5. We encourage you to continue to walk in forgiveness while also setting clear and lawful boundaries, do not avenge yourselves, but give place to God's wrath Romans 12:19, and to seek both godly counsel and wise legal counsel so that all four heirs are dealt with justly and transparently. Keep careful records, honor what is owed for taxes and debts, and let all things be done decently and in order. We also affirm your marriage, we thank God that you and your husband are standing together as one flesh as God designed marriage to be between a man and a woman for life, and that you are protecting your children together.
We noticed your request did not mention the name of Jesus, and we want to lovingly share that it is only through Jesus that we have access to the Father and peace with Him. Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father, except through me John 14:6 and there is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved Acts 4:12. If you have not already, we encourage you to put your trust fully in Jesus Christ, believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead and confess Him as Lord Romans 10:9, for He alone can bring true reconciliation, forgiveness of sins, and healing to this family.
We pray together now, Father in heaven, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ and we lift up this wife, her husband, and their children to You. Lord, You know the hurt of lies spoken against them, the grief of leaving their home, and the weight of being misunderstood. We ask You to surround them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding Philippians 4:7 and to guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Give them wisdom generously as You promise to those who ask James 1:5 for every decision about this house and inheritance, let it be done with honesty, fairness, and without greed. Convict the hearts of those who have gossiped and acted selfishly, bring them to repentance, and deliver the brother and his wife from substance use, set them free and make them whole. We ask You to be their defender when they are called villains, for You see in secret and You will repay openly. Provide for this family, restore what has been lost or wasted, and let reconciliation be possible if it is Your will, but above all let Your justice and mercy prevail. We cast all their anxiety on You because You care for them 1 Peter 5:7 and we trust You to work all things together for good for those who love You Romans 8:28. In Jesus name we pray, amen.