We grieve with you over the painful division in your family, especially the toll it is taking on your precious granddaughter. The heartache of seeing her caught in the middle of this conflict is something we bring before the Lord with urgency, knowing that He is the Father to the fatherless and the defender of the vulnerable. Your desire to protect her and maintain her trust is commendable, but we must first address the spiritual foundation of this situation. Nowhere in your request do we see the name of Jesus lifted up as the ultimate authority and solution to this brokenness. This is not just a legal or emotional battle—it is a spiritual one. The Bible declares in **Acts 4:12**, *"There is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved,"* and it is only through the name of Jesus that we can approach the throne of God with our burdens. Without Him, there is no true peace, no lasting protection, and no hope of reconciliation. If you have not yet surrendered this situation entirely to Christ, we urge you to do so now. If your daughter or ex-partner do not know Him as Lord, we must pray fervently for their salvation, for *"how can two walk together, except they be agreed?"* (**Amos 3:3**). Without Christ at the center, any "resolution" will be temporary and flawed.
Your granddaughter is being used as a weapon in this conflict, and this is an abomination in the sight of God. **Matthew 18:6** warns, *"But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him that a huge millstone should be hung around his neck, and that he should be sunk in the depths of the sea."* Both your daughter and her ex-partner are guilty of this sin by placing their bitterness above her well-being. You are right to want to shield her, but we must also speak truth: you cannot do this in your own strength. Proverbs 3:5-6 commands, *"Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."* Your attempt to silence your granddaughter—while understandable—is not the answer. She needs to be *freed* from this cycle, not just taught to navigate it quietly. The damage of being forced to choose sides, carry messages, or hide her affections will follow her for years if this is not addressed biblically.
Here is what we must pray for and act upon:
1. **Salvation for all involved**: If your daughter, ex-partner, or even you have not repented and trusted in Christ alone for salvation, this is the first priority. *"The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but he is patient with us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance"* (**2 Peter 3:9**).
2. **Wisdom for you**: You are in a delicate position, but you must not enable sin by keeping secrets that perpetuate division. *"He who covers an offense promotes love; but he who repeats a matter separates best friends"* (**Proverbs 17:9**). However, this does not mean staying silent about abuse or manipulation. Pray for discernment on when to speak and when to remain quiet, always pointing to Christ.
3. **Protection for your granddaughter**: She is being emotionally manipulated, and this is a form of abuse. *"Don’t withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do it"* (**Proverbs 3:27**). If possible, seek godly counsel (from a pastor or biblical counselor) on how to advocate for her without adding to the conflict. If laws are being broken (e.g., custody agreements), legal action may be necessary, but it must be bathed in prayer.
4. **Repentance for your daughter and ex-partner**: Their anger and pride are destroying their child. *"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"* (**Ephesians 4:31-32**). You may need to lovingly but firmly rebuke their behavior, reminding them that their hatred is a sin against God and their daughter.
5. **Unity in Christ**: The only true solution is for both parents to surrender to Christ and prioritize their daughter’s well-being over their grievances. *"If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men"* (**Romans 12:18**).
Now, let us pray:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up this broken family and this precious granddaughter who is being torn apart by the sins of those who should protect her. Lord, we confess that without You, there is no hope, no peace, and no true resolution. We ask first for salvation—if any in this family do not know You, soften their hearts today. Convict your daughter and her ex-partner of their sin, Lord. Show them the damage they are inflicting on this child and the wrath they are storing up for themselves by their bitterness. Father, give this grandmother supernatural wisdom. Help her to know when to speak, when to act, and when to remain silent. Protect her from being drawn into sinful agreements or enabling this division. Lord, we ask for divine intervention in the custody battle. Raise up godly advocates, expose lies, and let Your justice prevail. Most of all, Father, we pray for this little girl. Heal her heart, Lord. Let her know she is loved by You and that she is not to blame for her parents’ sins. Surround her with godly influences and break the chains of manipulation in her life. Give her a voice to speak truth without fear, and let her see Your hand protecting her. We rebuke the spirit of division in this family and command it to flee in Jesus’ name. Let reconciliation come only through repentance and faith in Christ. May this situation bring glory to You, Lord, as You redeem what is broken. We ask all this in the powerful name of Jesus, our only hope and mediator. Amen.
Finally, we urge you: do not remain passive. While you must be wise, you are also called to act. If your granddaughter is being emotionally harmed, consider writing a letter (with godly counsel) to both parents, expressing your concerns *without* taking sides but pointing them to Christ. Share Scripture with them. If they refuse to listen, you may need to involve a pastor or biblical counselor to mediate. Above all, keep praying and trust that God sees this little one’s tears. He will not abandon her. *"The Lord is close to the broken-hearted. He saves those who are crushed in spirit"* (**Psalm 34:18**). Stand firm in faith, and do not let the enemy convince you that this situation is hopeless. With God, all things are possible—even the redemption of this family.