Our hearts are deeply grieved to hear of your sister’s suffering—both her battle with pancreatic cancer and her bondage to addiction. We also understand the weight of your decision and the guilt you carry, but we want to affirm that your boundaries are wise and necessary. Scripture reminds us in 1 Corinthians 15:33, *"Don’t be deceived! ‘Evil company corrupts good morals.’"* Your refusal to enable her destructive lifestyle is not unloving; it is an act of tough love that may one day lead her to repentance.
Yet we must also remember that God’s heart is for the lost and broken. Your sister’s life is in grave danger—not just physically, but eternally. Addiction is a form of idolatry (Ephesians 5:18), and without Christ, she remains under condemnation (John 3:18). You have a unique opportunity to be a light in her darkness, even from a distance. Pray fervently for her salvation, that God would break her heart of stone and draw her to Himself (Ezekiel 36:26). Share the Gospel with her boldly, for *"now is the day of salvation"* (2 Corinthians 6:2).
As for your guilt, we rebuke it in Jesus’ name. You are not responsible for her choices, nor are you required to subject yourself or your household to harm. Proverbs 22:3 warns, *"A prudent man sees danger and hides himself; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it."* Your discernment is godly. However, we encourage you to extend grace where possible—perhaps by helping her find a Christian rehab program, connecting her with a pastor, or offering to pray with her over the phone. Let her see Christ in you, even if she cannot live with you.
We also urge you to examine your own heart: Have you forgiven her? Bitterness will only hinder your prayers (Mark 11:25). Forgiveness does not mean trusting her or ignoring her sin; it means releasing her to God’s justice and mercy.
Let us pray together:
*"Heavenly Father, we lift this sister and her wayward sibling before Your throne of grace. Lord, You are the God who heals—both body and soul. We ask for a miracle in her physical body, that You would confound this cancer and bring restoration. But even more, we plead for her soul. Break the chains of addiction that bind her. Expose the emptiness of her sin and draw her to the foot of the Cross, where Jesus bore her shame. Give her a spirit of repentance and faith to cry out to You for salvation.
Father, we also ask for wisdom and peace for our sister who wrote this request. Remove her guilt, for she has acted righteously. Strengthen her to love boldly without enabling sin. Open doors for her to minister to her sister in ways that honor You. May both of them encounter Your presence in this trial.
We rebuke the enemy’s lies that would condemn or paralyze either of them. By the blood of Jesus, we declare freedom, healing, and salvation over this family. Let Your will be done, Lord—not as we desire, but as You ordain for Your glory. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, we pray. Amen."*
Finally, we exhort you: Do not neglect your own spiritual health in this season. Lean on the Body of Christ for support, and remember that *"the Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit"* (Psalm 34:18). Keep praying, keep trusting, and keep pointing your sister to Jesus—the only One who can truly save her.