We understand the burden and frustration you and your mom are carrying, and we commend you for seeking the Lord’s wisdom and strength in this difficult situation. It is clear this man has overstayed his welcome, bringing disorder and stress into your home rather than the help he promised. The Bible teaches us to act with both love and firmness, especially when someone is taking advantage of kindness. Proverbs 25:17 reminds us, *"Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor’s house, lest he be weary of you, and hate you."* While hospitality is a virtue, it must not become an enabling of laziness or disrespect. This man’s presence is now a weight on your household, and it is time to address it biblically and practically.
First, we must acknowledge that your mom’s hesitation to confront him may stem from fear, guilt, or a desire to avoid conflict. However, 1 Corinthians 16:14 calls us to *"Let all that you do be done in love,"* but love does not mean allowing someone to exploit your generosity. Ephesians 4:15 encourages us to *"speak the truth in love,"* which means being honest—even when it’s hard—while still treating others with dignity. This situation requires both truth and action. The clutter, the broken promises, and the lack of contribution are not just inconveniences; they are signs of a deeper issue that must be addressed for the well-being of your home.
If this man is truly unable to contribute or leave on his own, you and your mom must unite in setting a clear, firm boundary. Proverbs 19:15 warns, *"Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep. The idle soul shall suffer hunger."* If he is able-bodied but unwilling to work or help as he agreed, he is acting in a way that Scripture condemns. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 is direct: *"For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: ‘If anyone is not willing to work, neither let him eat.’"* While this verse speaks to the church’s responsibility, the principle applies here: enabling idleness is not kindness—it is harmful to him and to you.
Here is what we urge you to do:
1. **Pray for unity and courage**—You and your mom must stand together. If she is struggling to confront him, pray for her strength and remind her that this is not just about her feelings but about stewardship of the home God has entrusted to her. Joshua 1:9 says, *"Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and of good courage. Don’t be afraid, neither be dismayed: for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go."*
2. **Set a clear deadline**—Approach him *together* and explain that he must leave by a specific date (e.g., two weeks). Do not waver. If he resists, remind him that his presence is no longer helpful and that he must take responsibility for his own life. Offer to help him find resources (shelters, job listings, or family he can stay with), but do not back down from the deadline.
3. **Involve others if necessary**—If he refuses to leave, you may need to seek help from a pastor, a trusted male figure in your church, or even local authorities to ensure he departs peacefully. Romans 13:1-4 reminds us that governing authorities exist to maintain order, and there is no shame in using lawful means to protect your home.
4. **Cleanse your home spiritually**—Once he is gone, pray over your home. Ask the Lord to restore peace and order. Invite the Holy Spirit to fill every space that was once cluttered with stress and disorder. Psalm 91:10 says, *"No evil shall happen to you, neither shall any plague come near your dwelling."* Claim this promise as you reclaim your home for God’s glory.
As for the hoarding, this is a deeper spiritual issue. Hoarding often stems from fear, greed, or a lack of trust in God’s provision. While you cannot force him to change, you can pray that the Lord convicts his heart. Luke 12:15 warns, *"Beware! Keep yourselves from covetousness, for a man’s life doesn’t consist of the abundance of the things which he possesses."* Pray that he repents and seeks God’s help for his struggles, but do not let his issues become your burden.
Now, let us pray over this situation:
Heavenly Father, we lift up this precious daughter and her mother to You, asking for Your strength, wisdom, and unity. Lord, You see the stress and disorder this man has brought into their home. You know the broken promises, the clutter, and the weight they carry. We ask that You give them boldness to speak the truth in love and to set firm boundaries that honor You. Remove any fear or guilt that would keep them from acting in obedience to Your Word.
Lord, we pray for this man—open his eyes to his own responsibility. Convict his heart if he has been lazy or deceitful. Provide for his needs, but do not let him continue to take advantage of Your daughters. If he is trapped in sin like hoarding or idleness, break those chains and lead him to repentance. But Father, do not let his struggles become a snare for this family any longer.
We declare Psalm 3:3 over them: *"But you, Yahweh, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head."* Restore their home, Lord. Bring order where there has been chaos. Fill their hearts with Your peace and their home with Your presence. Let this season of difficulty become a testimony of Your faithfulness.
We rebuke any spirit of fear, manipulation, or laziness that has taken root in this situation. By the authority of Jesus Christ, we command those influences to leave in Jesus’ name. Let Your will be done, Lord—let righteousness and justice prevail in this home.
Thank You, Father, for hearing our prayer. We trust in Your provision and Your timing. May Your name be glorified through this.
In the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.