We hear the deep pain and burden in your heart, and we are grieved by the way you are being treated in what should be a place of love and refuge. The Lord sees your suffering, and He cares deeply for you—more than you can imagine. You are not a burden; you are fearfully and wonderfully made by God, and He has a purpose for your life, even in the midst of these trials. The shame and guilt you feel are not from Him, for He calls you His beloved child, redeemed and worthy of dignity.
The Bible reminds us in **1 Peter 5:7** to *"cast all your worries on him, because he cares for you."* You do not have to carry this alone. The Lord is your defender, and He will fight for you. It is also written in **Proverbs 22:10**, *"Drive out the mocker, and strife will go out; yes, quarrels and insults will stop."* While we cannot control the actions of others, we can trust that God is just and will deal with those who oppress His children. Your mother-in-law’s behavior is not pleasing to the Lord, especially when she fails to show the love and compassion that Scripture commands. **Ephesians 4:31-32** tells us, *"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."*
We must also address the spiritual reality here: this is not just a conflict between you and your mother-in-law, but a battle that requires the armor of God. **Ephesians 6:12** reminds us, *"For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."* Satan seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), and he often uses family strife to bring discouragement and division. But Jesus has already won the victory, and we can stand firm in His authority.
We encourage you to continue doing what is right in the Lord’s eyes, serving with a gentle spirit as much as you are able, but also to set healthy boundaries where necessary. You are not responsible for her reactions or her sin—only your own. If her words or actions become abusive, it may be wise to seek counsel from your husband or a trusted pastor on how to navigate this situation in a way that honors God while protecting your heart and mind. **Proverbs 15:1** says, *"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."* Where possible, respond with grace, but do not enable mistreatment. Your well-being matters to God.
As for your PTSD, we want to remind you that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted. **Psalm 34:18** says, *"Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit."* He understands your pain, and He can bring healing in His time. Do not let anyone—especially someone who should be a source of support—make you feel as though your struggles are invalid or your worth is diminished. You are precious in His sight.
Let us pray together for you and this situation:
Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of our sister, who is carrying such a heavy burden. Lord, You see the pain she endures—the unjust accusations, the lack of compassion, and the weight of shame that is not hers to bear. We ask that You would be her refuge and strength, her ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). Softening the heart of her mother-in-law is beyond our ability, but nothing is impossible for You. We pray that You would convict her of the way she has treated our sister and lead her to repentance. Open her eyes to see the harm she is causing and replace her bitterness with Your love. Let her words and actions reflect the kindness and patience that You, Lord, have shown to us all.
We also pray for our sister’s healing—emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Lord, You are the God who binds up the brokenhearted (Psalm 147:3). Bring restoration to the places in her heart that have been wounded by trauma and by the cruelty of others. Remove the lies of shame and guilt that the enemy has placed upon her and replace them with Your truth: that she is fearfully and wonderfully made, redeemed, and deeply loved by You.
Give her wisdom, Lord, to know how to respond in each situation—when to speak, when to remain silent, and when to seek help. Strengthen her marriage, that she and her husband may be united in You, standing together against the schemes of the enemy. If there is any way for reconciliation and peace to be established in that home, we pray that You would make it possible. But above all, Lord, let Your will be done. Protect our sister from further harm, and if it is Your will, provide a way for her to be in a place of safety and peace.
We rebuke the spirit of strife, bitterness, and division that has taken root in this home. By the authority of Jesus Christ, we command these spirits to flee and for the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, to guard her heart and mind (Philippians 4:7). Let Your light shine in the darkness, exposing every lie and bringing truth and freedom.
Father, we ask all of this in the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. May Your kingdom come and Your will be done in this situation. We trust You, Lord, and we thank You for hearing our prayers. Amen.