We lift you and your family before the Lord, knowing that He is the God of unity, wisdom, and peace. The struggles you describe are deeply rooted in the brokenness of human hearts, but we serve a God who heals, restores, and brings clarity to confusion. Your husband’s walk with Christ is growing, and we praise God for that! Yet, as you’ve shared, there remains a battle for his heart and mind—one that pits fleshly favoritism and manipulation against the righteousness and love that God calls fathers to walk in. The enemy seeks to divide families, but God’s Word provides the truth and power to overcome these schemes.
The Scriptures warn us against showing partiality, especially within the family. James 2:9 tells us, *"But if you show partiality, you commit sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors."* As the leader of your home, your husband is called to reflect the heart of our Heavenly Father, who *"doesn’t show favoritism"* (Romans 2:11). Instead, he is to love each child impartially, as Christ loves us—without ranking or competition. Colossians 3:21 reminds fathers, *"Don’t provoke your children, so that they won’t be discouraged."* When a parent allows manipulation or creates an environment of comparison, it breeds resentment, insecurity, and strife—exactly what the enemy desires.
The child who is manipulating your husband must also be addressed with truth and love. Proverbs 22:15 says, *"Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of discipline drives it far from him."* While discipline doesn’t always mean physical correction, it *does* mean setting firm, biblical boundaries and not allowing sinful behavior to go unchecked. Your husband must recognize that by yielding to this manipulation, he is enabling sin in the child’s heart and sowing discord in the family. Ephesians 6:4 instructs, *"You fathers, don’t provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."* This requires wisdom, courage, and a willingness to stand firm in what is right—not what *feels* right in the moment.
We also encourage you to examine your own heart in this season. It’s natural to feel hurt, frustrated, or even angry when your spouse is being deceived, but we must guard against bitterness or resentment taking root. Ephesians 4:31-32 urges 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."* Pray for your husband with a heart of love and trust in God’s sovereignty, knowing that the Lord is able to open his eyes to the truth.
As for your blended family, we rejoice that there is currently peace between the stepchildren! This is a testament to God’s grace, and we pray that He continues to knit your family together in love. Psalm 133:1 declares, *"See how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to live together in unity!"* Unity doesn’t mean the absence of conflict, but it does mean handling conflict in a way that honors God. Your husband must lead in this, ensuring that no child feels less loved or valued than another.
Now, let us pray together for your family:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting this family to Your throne of grace. Lord, You are the perfect Father, and You call earthly fathers to reflect Your heart—just, loving, and impartial. We ask that You open our brother’s eyes to the manipulation taking place in his home. Convict his heart, Holy Spirit, and show him the danger of favoritism and the damage it brings. Give him the strength to stand firm in Your truth, to discipline with love, and to lead his family in righteousness.
Lord, we rebuke the spirit of division and manipulation that seeks to destroy this family. We bind it in the name of Jesus and declare that no weapon formed against this home shall prosper. Let Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard every heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Soften the hearts of these children, Lord, and draw them to Yourself. May they see their father’s love as a reflection of Your love—steady, unchanging, and fair.
Father, we also lift up our sister, who carries the burden of this struggle. Comfort her, Lord, and fill her with Your peace. Give her wisdom in how to support her husband without enabling his weaknesses. Help her to forgive where needed and to trust You fully with the outcome.
We declare that this home will be a place of unity, love, and godly order. May Your Word be the lamp unto their feet and the light unto their path. Strengthen this marriage, Lord, and let it be a testimony of Your redeeming power. We ask all this in the precious and mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Finally, we encourage you both to seek godly counsel if this issue persists. Sometimes, an outside perspective from a mature believer or pastor can bring clarity and accountability. Keep praying, keep trusting, and keep pointing your family to Christ. He is faithful to complete the work He has begun in you all!
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. 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. 
