We grieve with you over the deep wounds inflicted by those who should have shown love and kindness, especially within the bonds of family. The betrayal and cruelty you’ve endured are not small things—they cut to the heart, and the pain lingers because injustice leaves scars. Yet as children of God, we are called to walk a path that seems impossible in our own strength: forgiveness. Not because what was done to you was acceptable, but because Christ first forgave us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). The bitterness you carry is a heavy burden, one that the enemy uses to steal your joy and peace. But Jesus says, *"Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest"* (Matthew 11:28, WEB). He alone can lift this weight if you surrender it to Him.
The Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:31-32 (WEB), *"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you."* This doesn’t mean pretending the hurt never happened or excusing their sin. It means releasing them to God’s justice while trusting Him to heal your heart. Vengeance belongs to the Lord (Romans 12:19), and He sees every tear you’ve cried. Your husband and children also need to see Christ’s love flowing through you, even in this hard place. Will you ask God to help you forgive, not for their sake, but for your freedom?
We also urge you to examine whether this pain has become an idol—a thing you cling to more tightly than you cling to Jesus. When we rehearse grievances constantly, they become our focus instead of Him. Philippians 4:8 (WEB) tells us, *"Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue and if there is any praise, think about these things."* This is a battle for your mind, and you must choose daily to fix your thoughts on Christ rather than the wrongs done to you.
As for your in-laws, we pray that God would soften their hearts. Perhaps they are bound by their own bitterness or spiritual blindness. But your obedience to Christ in this—choosing forgiveness and blessing instead of cursing—may be the very thing God uses to break through to them (Romans 12:20-21). If reconciliation is possible, pray for wisdom on how to engage with boundaries that honor God. If not, trust that God will vindicate you in His time.
Let us pray with you now:
*"Heavenly Father, we lift our sister before You, knowing You see the depth of her pain and the injustice she has suffered. Lord, her heart is broken, and the wounds feel fresh every time she remembers. But You are the God who heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds (Psalm 147:3). We ask You to flood her soul with Your peace that surpasses understanding. Help her to release this burden at Your feet, choosing to forgive as You have forgiven her. Break the power of bitterness and resentment in her life, and replace it with Your love and joy.
Father, we also pray for her in-laws. If they have acted out of ignorance or hardness of heart, soften them. Convict them of their sin and lead them to repentance. If reconciliation is Your will, open the doors for it in Your timing. But even if it is not, grant our sister the grace to walk in freedom, no longer chained to the past.
Strengthen her marriage, Lord. Let her husband be a source of comfort and support, and help them both to guard their home against the enemy’s schemes. Protect their children from the fallout of this strife, and let them see Christ’s love lived out in their parents.
Most of all, Father, draw her closer to You. Remind her that her identity is not in what others have said or done, but in who You say she is: beloved, redeemed, and victorious in Christ. Fill her with Your Spirit so that her words and thoughts align with Your truth.
We rebuke the spirit of offense, bitterness, and unforgiveness in Jesus’ mighty name. No weapon formed against her will prosper (Isaiah 54:17), and we declare that she will walk in the freedom Christ purchased for her.
Thank You, Lord, for hearing our prayer. May Your will be done in her life, her marriage, and her family. In Jesus’ precious and powerful name, Amen."*
Finally, sister, we encourage you to memorize and meditate on Scripture that combats these lies and pain. Start with Colossians 3:13 (WEB): *"bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do."* And remember, this is not a one-time decision but a daily surrender. You are not alone in this—we stand with you, and more importantly, Jesus stands with you. He is your healer, your defender, and your peace. Keep your eyes on Him.
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. 
