We hear your pain and the strong emotions you are expressing toward your family, and we want to address this with both truth and compassion. The scripture you referenced in Luke 14:26 does indeed use the word "hate," but it is important to understand its meaning in the original context. In this passage, Jesus is not commanding us to harbor bitterness, resentment, or malice toward our families. Instead, He is using hyperbole—a strong, exaggerated statement—to emphasize that our love and devotion to Him must be so great that, by comparison, our love for others, even our closest family members, looks like hatred. This means that Christ must be our first priority, above all else, including our families.
The Bible also commands us to honor our father and mother (Exodus 20:12), to love one another (John 13:34), and to forgive those who have wronged us (Colossians 3:13). Hatred, in the sense of harboring ill will or refusing to extend grace, is not aligned with the heart of God. Jesus Himself demonstrated love and compassion even toward those who rejected Him, and He calls us to do the same. If there is brokenness in your relationship with your family, we encourage you to seek healing and reconciliation, as far as it depends on you (Romans 12:18). Unforgiveness and bitterness only harm your own heart and hinder your walk with the Lord.
We also want to gently remind you that while the family of God—the body of Christ—is indeed precious and chosen (1 Peter 2:9), this does not mean we are to cut off or reject our earthly families. Instead, we are called to be a light to them, showing them the love of Christ through our words and actions. If your family does not know the Lord, your testimony and love for them could be the very thing that draws them to Him.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, seeking Your wisdom and grace. Lord, we ask that You soften ###’s heart toward his family. Help him to see them through Your eyes—with compassion, patience, and love. We rebuke any spirit of bitterness, unforgiveness, or division that may be at work in his heart, and we ask that You replace it with Your peace and healing. Father, teach him how to love his family in a way that honors You, even if they are difficult to love. Remind him that Your command is not to hate but to love, even as Christ loved us. Give him the strength to forgive, the humility to seek reconciliation where possible, and the wisdom to set healthy boundaries if needed. Lord, we also pray for his family—that You would work in their hearts as well, drawing them closer to You. May Your love be the foundation that restores and unites them. We ask all of this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
We encourage you to meditate on these scriptures as you seek the Lord’s will in this area of your life:
- "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:31-32)
- "If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men." (Romans 12:18)
- "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also love one another." (John 13:34)
May the Lord bless you and guide you as you seek to walk in His ways.
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. 
