We hear the pain in your words and the heaviness in your heart as you share about the struggles in your marriage and home. The way your mother-in-law treats you and your husband is not only unfair but deeply hurtful, especially when you have shown her nothing but love, respect, and care. It is clear that her bitterness and misery are spilling over into your lives, and this is not the way God intends for families to live together. Scripture tells us in Ephesians 4:29-32, "Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for building up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear. Don’t grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be removed from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you."
First, we must address the importance of honoring your mother-in-law, as the Bible commands in Exodus 20:12, "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which Yahweh your God gives you." However, honoring her does not mean allowing her to mistreat you or your husband. It is possible to honor her as your husband’s mother while also setting boundaries that protect your marriage and your emotional well-being. Proverbs 25:24 says, "It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop than to share a house with a contentious woman." This does not mean you should turn her out, but it does mean you must seek wisdom in how to navigate this situation.
Your mother-in-law’s behavior seems to stem from unresolved pain and bitterness, particularly regarding her relationship with her oldest son. While her feelings are understandable, she cannot take out her frustration on you and your husband. It is not your fault that her other son does not visit or allow her to see her grandchildren. You and your husband have shown her kindness, and her response should not be one of cruelty. We must also gently remind you that her actions are a reflection of her own heart, not your worth or your husband’s. Proverbs 15:1 says, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." While it may be difficult, responding to her with gentleness and patience may help diffuse some of the tension.
We also want to address the pain you and your husband feel about not yet having children. This is a deep longing, and it is understandable that her words may have struck a particularly tender place in your hearts. But remember, children are a gift from the Lord, as Psalm 127:3 tells us, "Behold, children are a heritage of Yahweh. The fruit of the womb is his reward." If God has not yet blessed you with children, it is not because of anything lacking in you or your husband. Trust in His timing and His plan for your family.
Now, let us come before the Lord together in prayer:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up this sister and her husband to You. Lord, You see the pain and frustration they are experiencing in their home. You know the hurtful words that have been spoken and the unkindness that has been shown. Father, we ask that You would soften this mother-in-law’s heart and help her to see the love and care that her son and daughter-in-law have shown her. Remove the bitterness and anger that have taken root in her heart, and replace them with Your peace and grace.
Lord, we pray for wisdom for this couple as they navigate this difficult situation. Give them the strength to honor her while also protecting their marriage and their hearts. Help them to respond with gentleness and patience, even when it is hard. Father, we also lift up their desire for children. Comfort them in this longing and remind them that You are in control of their family and their future. If it is Your will for them to have children, we pray that You would bless them with a child in Your perfect timing.
Father, we rebuke any spirit of division, bitterness, or strife in this home. We declare that Your love and unity will prevail. Help this family to lean on You and to find their strength in You alone. We ask all of this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
In addition to prayer, we encourage you and your husband to seek godly counsel, perhaps from a pastor or a trusted Christian mentor, who can help you navigate this situation with wisdom. Setting boundaries may be necessary to protect your marriage and your emotional health. Remember, you are not responsible for her happiness or her relationships with her other children. Your responsibility is to love her as Christ loves you, but that does not mean you must endure mistreatment.
Lastly, continue to pray together as a couple. Your unity in Christ is a powerful testimony, and the enemy would love to see division in your marriage. Stand firm in your faith and in your love for one another. God sees your hearts, and He will not abandon you in this trial.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. 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. 
