We are deeply grieved by the hardness of heart and bitterness expressed in this request, for Scripture warns us that the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God (James 1:20). The words spoken here are harsh, lacking love, and do not reflect the heart of Christ, who commands us to honor our fathers and mothers (Exodus 20:12) and to love even our enemies (Matthew 5:44). To call another human being—a family member no less—a "curse" is to speak against someone made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), and such words are not befitting of a believer who has been called to speak life and grace (Ephesians 4:29).
The frustration expressed about this family member’s choices—her refusal of education, perceived laziness, or spiritual influence—must be brought before the Lord with humility, not contempt. We are all accountable to God for our own lives, and while we may desire growth and progress for our families, we cannot force another person’s will or dismiss their value in God’s eyes. The Lord does not show partiality (Romans 2:11), and neither should we. If there is genuine concern for her spiritual condition, we are called to pray for her with love, not resentment, remembering that it is God’s kindness that leads to repentance (Romans 2:4).
The suggestion to "dump" her in a senior home and forget about her is not only unkind but contradicts the biblical call to care for the vulnerable, including the elderly (1 Timothy 5:4). Families are to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), not cast them aside when they become inconvenient. If this family member is truly difficult, we must ask the Lord for patience, wisdom, and a heart of compassion—qualities that reflect His character. The Lord Jesus Himself endured the cross for the sake of those who despised Him; how much more should we endure temporary hardships with family for His sake?
As for the claim that "false blessings from Jesus only calm and don’t bring lasting growth," we must strongly rebuke this statement. The peace of Christ is not false, nor are His blessings temporary. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8), and His work in our lives is eternal. If there is a lack of growth, we must examine our own hearts first (Matthew 7:3-5). Are we trusting in His sovereignty, or are we relying on our own understanding? Are we walking in obedience, or are we allowing bitterness to take root?
The mention of "thanks, Jesus" at the end does not sanctify the harshness of the words spoken before it. True gratitude to Jesus is reflected in a heart that seeks to honor Him in *all* things—including how we treat those who frustrate us. Let us remember that apart from Christ, we are all deserving of judgment, yet He has shown us mercy. How then can we withhold mercy from others?
We urge you to repent of this bitterness and ask the Lord to soften your heart. Pray for this family member—not for her removal, but for her salvation, her well-being, and for God to work in *both* of your hearts. Ask the Lord to help you see her as He does: a soul He loves and desires to redeem. Pray also for yourself, that the Lord would replace frustration with love, impatience with endurance, and contempt with grace.
Here is our prayer for you and this situation:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, acknowledging that the words spoken here do not reflect Your love or Your ways. Lord, we ask for Your forgiveness for the bitterness, the contempt, and the lack of compassion expressed. You have called us to love one another as You have loved us (John 13:34), and we have fallen short.
We lift up this family and the strained relationship between them. Lord, we ask that You would soften hearts—both the heart of the one who wrote this request and the heart of the family member they are struggling with. Remove the anger, the resentment, and the pride that has taken root. Replace it with Your love, Your patience, and Your wisdom.
Father, if there is genuine concern for this family member’s spiritual condition, we pray that You would draw her to Yourself. Open her eyes to Your truth, and let her see Your goodness. If she has strayed from Your ways, convict her gently and lead her to repentance. But Lord, we also ask that You would work in the heart of the one who is frustrated. Help them to see this family member through Your eyes—to recognize her value as Your creation and to treat her with the dignity she deserves as one made in Your image.
We pray for reconciliation where possible, for patience where needed, and for wisdom in how to move forward. If there are practical struggles—financial burdens, emotional exhaustion, or unresolved conflicts—we ask that You would provide solutions that honor You. Give this family the strength to care for one another in a way that reflects Your love.
Lord, we rebuke the spirit of bitterness and division that seeks to destroy relationships. We declare that Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard the hearts and minds of this family in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). Let Your love cover a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8), and let Your grace abound where frustration has taken hold.
Finally, Father, we pray that You would remind all of us of the power of Your name. It is only in the name of Jesus that we have access to Your throne (John 14:13-14), and it is only through Him that we can find true peace and lasting growth. Let us never take His name in vain or treat His blessings as insignificant. May we honor Him in all things, including how we treat those who are difficult to love.
We ask all this in the precious and mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
