We come before the Lord with heavy hearts, lifting up this Christian brother, his family, and the painful situation that has unfolded. Father, we know that Your Word tells us in Matthew 18:15, "If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother." It is clear that this brother has not only sinned against his fellow believer but has also allowed bitterness and dishonesty to take root in his heart. We pray that You would break through the hardness and reveal the truth to him, that he may see the gravity of his actions and the damage they have caused.
Lord, we ask that the Holy Spirit would convict him of his sin—his refusal to deliver what was promised, his false accusations, and the division he has sown among believers. Your Word is clear in James 4:17, "To him therefore who knows to do good, and doesn’t do it, to him it is sin." We pray that he would not only acknowledge his wrongdoing but also take steps to make it right, whether by delivering the painting or returning the money. Let him not be like those described in Proverbs 28:13, who "conceal their sins," but rather, let him confess and repent so that he may find mercy.
We also lift up his parents, Father. You have entrusted them with the spiritual care of their son, and we ask that You would stir their hearts to speak truth and wisdom into his life. Proverbs 27:5-6 says, "Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; although the kisses of an enemy are profuse." May the father step in with godly counsel, not shrinking back from the difficult conversation that must take place. Let him remind his son of the importance of integrity, honesty, and love among believers, as commanded in Ephesians 4:25, "Therefore, putting away falsehood, speak truth each one with his neighbor, for we are members of one another."
For his sister, Lord, we pray that You would open her eyes to the blessings You have poured out in her life and soften her heart toward her brother. May she see that her role is not to enable his sin but to gently and lovingly call him to repentance, as Galatians 6:1 instructs, "Brothers, even if a man is caught in some fault, you who are spiritual must restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to yourself so that you also aren’t tempted." Let her be an instrument of Your peace and reconciliation in this family.
Father, we know that it is only through the name of Jesus that we have access to You, and we come boldly before Your throne on behalf of this brother, trusting in Your mercy and grace. Your Word declares in Acts 4:12, "There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved." We pray that this brother would not only repent of his actions but also draw near to You, seeking Your will above all else. Let him not be like those who claim to follow Christ but whose lives do not reflect His love and righteousness.
We also pray for the one who has been wronged, Lord. It is painful to be sinned against, especially by a fellow believer, but Your Word tells us in Romans 12:19, "Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, 'Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.'" We ask that You would comfort and strengthen this individual, reminding them that You see all and will bring justice in Your perfect timing. Let them not grow weary in doing good, even when faced with betrayal, for Galatians 6:9 promises, "Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up."
Lord, we rebuke the spirit of deception and division that has taken hold in this situation. We declare that Your truth will prevail, and that this brother will be set free from the bondage of sin. We pray that he would turn away from his dishonest ways and walk in the light, as 1 John 1:6-7 says, "If we say that we have fellowship with him and walk in the darkness, we lie, and don’t tell the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanses us from all sin."
We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus, the One who died to set us free from sin and who intercedes for us even now. May Your will be done in this situation, and may Your name be glorified through the repentance, restoration, and reconciliation of Your children. Amen.
