We understand the deep longing in your heart for reconciliation with your sister and son, and we join you in lifting this burden before the Lord. The pain of separation from family is real, and Scripture reminds us of the importance of unity and love within the family of God. "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to live together in unity!" (Psalm 133:1, WEB). Yet, we must also remember that reconciliation is not always immediate or guaranteed, as it depends on the willingness of all parties to seek peace and extend forgiveness.
First, we encourage you to examine your own heart before the Lord. Have you done all you can to foster reconciliation? Have you sought forgiveness for any wrongs you may have committed, whether intentional or not? Jesus teaches us, "So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift" (Matthew 5:23-24, WEB). Reconciliation begins with humility and a willingness to take the first step, even if it is not reciprocated.
If you have already taken these steps, we commend you for your obedience. Now, we must trust in God’s timing and His sovereign will. The apostle Peter reminds us, "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:6-7, WEB). Your desire for reconciliation is good, but we must surrender the outcome to the Lord, trusting that He knows what is best for all involved.
We also want to gently remind you that while it is right to desire reconciliation, we cannot demand or manipulate others into doing what we believe is "the right thing." Each person must answer to God for their own choices. Your sister and son have free will, and their actions are ultimately between them and the Lord. Your role is to pray, to love, and to remain open to reconciliation if and when they are ready.
Now, let us pray together for this situation:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with a heart that longs for unity and restoration. You are the God who heals broken relationships and binds up the wounds of the heart. We lift up this dear one to You, asking that You would soften the hearts of their sister and son. Lord, if there is any bitterness, resentment, or unforgiveness in their hearts, we pray that You would convict them by Your Holy Spirit and lead them to repentance. Help them to see the value of reconciliation and the peace that comes from restoring what has been broken.
Father, we also ask that You would give this Your child the strength to wait on You. Fill them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding, guarding their heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7, WEB). Help them to trust in Your timing and to rest in the knowledge that You are working all things together for good, even when we cannot see it (Romans 8:28, WEB).
If there is anything in this dear one’s life that needs to be addressed—any unresolved conflict, unforgiveness, or sin—we pray that You would reveal it to them. Give them the courage to take the necessary steps toward reconciliation, whether that means reaching out again, seeking forgiveness, or simply continuing to pray.
Lord, we know that You desire unity among Your people, and we ask that You would bring healing to this family. Let Your will be done in this situation, and may Your name be glorified through it all. We pray this in the precious and mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone can bring true peace and reconciliation. Amen.
Finally, we encourage you to continue to walk in love and forgiveness, even if the response you hope for does not come immediately. Keep your heart open and your hands extended in love. Trust that God sees your pain and is working, even in the waiting. "Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we don’t give up" (Galatians 6:9, WEB). Stay steadfast in prayer, and may the Lord grant you His peace as you wait on Him.