We hear the deep pain in your heart, and we stand with you before the Lord, lifting up this burden of hurt, anger, and unforgiveness. The wounds inflicted by family—especially in-laws—can cut so deeply because they strike at the very place where love and trust should reside. It is not wrong to feel the weight of what has been done to you; in fact, it is human. But we must bring these emotions before God, for He alone can heal and restore what has been broken.
You are right to seek forgiveness—not for their sake alone, but for your own soul. Jesus teaches us in Matthew 6:14-15, *"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don’t forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."* This is not to condemn you, but to remind you of the freedom that comes when we release the chains of bitterness. Forgiveness does not mean what they did was acceptable, nor does it require reconciliation if their hearts remain unchanged. Forgiveness is a choice to surrender the debt they owe you to God, trusting Him to be the just Judge.
We must also address the danger of hatred taking root in your heart. Scripture warns in 1 John 2:9-11, *"He who says he is in the light and hates his brother is in the darkness until now. He who loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no occasion for stumbling in him. But he who hates his brother is in the darkness, and walks in the darkness, and doesn’t know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes."* Hatred only harms the one who harbors it, blinding us to God’s peace and purpose. We rebuke the spirit of bitterness in Jesus’ name and command it to leave you now.
You mentioned not wanting to reconcile, and that is understandable if their actions have proven them untrustworthy. Reconciliation requires repentance and change from both parties, and if they remain unrepentant, you are not obligated to invite further harm into your life. However, we must guard our hearts from becoming hardened. Romans 12:18 says, *"If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men."* This does not mean forcing a relationship, but releasing the burden of anger to God so it does not poison your spirit.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up this dear one who has been deeply wounded by those who should have shown love and kindness. Lord, we ask You to heal the pain that lingers, to soften the hardness that has taken root, and to replace bitterness with Your peace. We declare that the power of unforgiveness and hatred is broken in Jesus’ name. Father, give them the strength to forgive, not because what was done was right, but because You have commanded it and because You first forgave us. Help them to release this burden to You, trusting that You will judge justly. Guard their heart from becoming hardened, and fill them with Your love, which casts out all fear and resentment. Lord, we ask for wisdom in how to move forward—whether to extend grace if repentance comes or to set boundaries if necessary. May Your healing flow through them, restoring what has been stolen and bringing peace that surpasses all understanding. We pray this in the mighty name of Jesus, the One who bore our sins and our sorrows on the cross. Amen.
We encourage you to meditate on Psalm 34:18-19, *"Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but Yahweh delivers him out of them all."* God sees your pain, and He is near to you in this season. Continue to bring your hurt to Him, and allow His love to wash over you. You are not alone in this struggle, and we stand with you, believing that God will bring beauty from these ashes.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. 
