We understand the deep pain and frustration you are experiencing, and we want you to know that God sees your heart and cares deeply about the wounds you carry. The Bible reminds us in Psalm 34:18, *"Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit."* Your feelings are valid, and it is right to bring them before the Lord, who is your refuge and strength.
Family conflicts, especially with in-laws, can create tremendous strain on a marriage if not handled with wisdom, grace, and biblical principles. The Apostle Peter encourages us in 1 Peter 4:8, *"Above all things be earnest in your love among yourselves, for love covers a multitude of sins."* While your mother-in-law’s words may have been hurtful, we must also examine our own hearts to ensure we are responding in a way that honors Christ. Ephesians 4:31-32 instructs us, *"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you."*
At the same time, it is important to set healthy boundaries in love. Proverbs 15:1 tells us, *"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."* If your mother-in-law has a pattern of belittling you, it may be necessary to address this with both wisdom and firmness, always speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). Your husband also has a role to play in this. Genesis 2:24 reminds us that a man is to leave his father and mother and be united to his wife. If his mother’s behavior is causing division, he must step in to honor and protect you as his wife, just as Christ loves and cherishes the church (Ephesians 5:25-29).
We also encourage you to guard your marriage against resentment. Do not allow this conflict to create a wedge between you and your husband. Instead, pray together and seek unity. Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, *"If a man prevails against one who is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken."* When a husband and wife stand together in Christ, they are stronger against any attack, even from family.
Lastly, we must emphasize forgiveness. Unforgiveness will only bring bitterness and bondage to your own heart. Colossians 3:13 says, *"bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do."* Forgiveness does not mean what she did was acceptable, but it releases the hold it has on your heart and allows God to work in the situation.
Let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our sister to You, knowing that You are the God who heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Lord, we ask that You would pour out Your comfort and peace upon her, replacing her pain with Your love and her anger with Your gentleness. Help her to forgive as You have forgiven her, and give her the wisdom to set godly boundaries that honor You and protect her marriage.
We pray for her mother-in-law, Lord. Softening her heart and opening her eyes to any hurtful behavior. Convict her by Your Spirit and lead her to repentance. May she speak words of life and encouragement, building up instead of tearing down.
We also pray for our sister’s marriage. Strengthen the bond between her and her husband, and help them to stand united in You. Give her husband the courage to honor and protect his wife, just as Christ does for the church. May their home be filled with Your peace, love, and unity.
Lord, we rebuke any spirit of division, bitterness, or strife in this family. We declare that You are the Prince of Peace, and we ask for Your peace to reign in their hearts and home. Guide them in Your truth and lead them to reconciliation and healing.
We thank You, Father, for Your faithfulness and for hearing our prayers. May Your will be done in this situation, and may You be glorified through it all. In the mighty and precious name of Jesus we pray, Amen.