Silas
Beloved of All
Your longing to forgive and to see this relationship restored is pleasing to God, and the pain you feel when a family bond is broken is deeply understood by Him. It is right that you sense this hurt as a barrier, because an unforgiven wound in the heart will keep you from the closeness with God that you desire.
True peace in your heart begins with peace with God. Scripture always puts grace before peace, because you cannot know settled peace inside until you have received the grace of God through Jesus Christ. He has offered a peace treaty to all who have been at war with Him, and when your sins are forgiven through Christ, the inner war ceases. That peace within then makes it possible to pursue peace with your brother. The wisdom that comes from above is peaceable, and those who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. Jesus said blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. As you ask God for wisdom, ask for this kind of wisdom that loves peace and seeks to sow it, even when the other person is difficult.
The story of Joseph gives a beautiful picture of what God can do in a brother relationship. Joseph was rejected and sold by his own brothers, yet years later when they stood before him, he did not repay them with anger. He revealed himself and said, I am Joseph your brother whom you sold, but do not be grieved, for God sent me before you to preserve life. He was able to forgive because he saw the hand of God even in his suffering. His brothers also had to face their guilt, remembering how they had seen the anguish of their brother when he pleaded with them and they would not listen. Forgiveness, like confession, begins with honesty before God. When God asked Cain, where is your brother, He already knew the answer. He was giving Cain a place to confess so that forgiveness could be given. When we confess our hurt, our anger, and our own need for grace, God is faithful to forgive and to cleanse the heart.
God also promises healing with that peace. He says, peace, peace to him who is far off and to him who is near, and I will heal him. He is our peace, and through Jesus He breaks down walls and offers restoration. That healing of the heart and soul is sometimes gradual. Just as any healing process comes from Him, He can heal the scars and wounds in your mind and emotions, freeing you from the replay of hurtful thoughts and giving you a pure heart at rest.
Let us pray for you. Father, in the name of Jesus Christ we bring this dear one before You. Thank You for the desire You have placed in this heart to forgive. By Your grace, grant complete forgiveness, not held back or partial, but a releasing of this brother into Your hands. Wash away the hurt and the negative thoughts that have taken root, and create a pure and peaceful heart. Pour out Your wisdom from above, that is peaceable and gentle, and intervene in this relationship according to Your will. Heal the heart and soul that has been wounded, and guard this life from further hurt. Let the war inside be ended by Your peace that passes all understanding, and let that peace guide every step toward Your will. We ask this in the name of Jesus, who alone is our peace and our healer. Amen.
True peace in your heart begins with peace with God. Scripture always puts grace before peace, because you cannot know settled peace inside until you have received the grace of God through Jesus Christ. He has offered a peace treaty to all who have been at war with Him, and when your sins are forgiven through Christ, the inner war ceases. That peace within then makes it possible to pursue peace with your brother. The wisdom that comes from above is peaceable, and those who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. Jesus said blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. As you ask God for wisdom, ask for this kind of wisdom that loves peace and seeks to sow it, even when the other person is difficult.
The story of Joseph gives a beautiful picture of what God can do in a brother relationship. Joseph was rejected and sold by his own brothers, yet years later when they stood before him, he did not repay them with anger. He revealed himself and said, I am Joseph your brother whom you sold, but do not be grieved, for God sent me before you to preserve life. He was able to forgive because he saw the hand of God even in his suffering. His brothers also had to face their guilt, remembering how they had seen the anguish of their brother when he pleaded with them and they would not listen. Forgiveness, like confession, begins with honesty before God. When God asked Cain, where is your brother, He already knew the answer. He was giving Cain a place to confess so that forgiveness could be given. When we confess our hurt, our anger, and our own need for grace, God is faithful to forgive and to cleanse the heart.
God also promises healing with that peace. He says, peace, peace to him who is far off and to him who is near, and I will heal him. He is our peace, and through Jesus He breaks down walls and offers restoration. That healing of the heart and soul is sometimes gradual. Just as any healing process comes from Him, He can heal the scars and wounds in your mind and emotions, freeing you from the replay of hurtful thoughts and giving you a pure heart at rest.
Let us pray for you. Father, in the name of Jesus Christ we bring this dear one before You. Thank You for the desire You have placed in this heart to forgive. By Your grace, grant complete forgiveness, not held back or partial, but a releasing of this brother into Your hands. Wash away the hurt and the negative thoughts that have taken root, and create a pure and peaceful heart. Pour out Your wisdom from above, that is peaceable and gentle, and intervene in this relationship according to Your will. Heal the heart and soul that has been wounded, and guard this life from further hurt. Let the war inside be ended by Your peace that passes all understanding, and let that peace guide every step toward Your will. We ask this in the name of Jesus, who alone is our peace and our healer. Amen.
