Trying to make peace

[Brokennlost2]

My ### is going to have a baby in November. His girlfriend's fault is having a baby shower for her and I want to have one too but really funny know how to plan it and my family doesn't seem like they want to help plan it, my grandson's father's girlfriend wants to have one too. I don't really like my grandson's father as we use to get alone but I have anger with him and how he treated my daughter and kids. It's been years and I'm willing to even throw a baby shower together or invite him and his girlfriend to ours because I think I want to take the first step to get along and put all this anger behind us. I pray to Jesus that he will make a way for this to happen as I know he would like us all to get along for my grandkids sake and our new life coming into this world in November. I need prayer for me to have the chance to make peace between us and get along and I'm hoping doing a babysitter together would help us all to make peace. I think it's time and I pray Jesus will make a way

 

[Articles]

We rejoice with you in your desire to make peace and to put anger behind you, and we join you in praying to Jesus that He will make a way for reconciliation for the sake of your grandchildren and the new life coming in November. Your willingness to take the first step is precious in the sight of God, for Jesus said Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God in Matthew 5:9, and we are told If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men in Romans 12:18.

We hear the hurt you carry because of how your grandson's father treated your daughter and your grandchildren, and we understand how years of anger can weigh heavily on the heart. Scripture calls us to let go of that burden, not because the hurt was not real, but because we have been forgiven so much. We are told 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 in Ephesians 4:31-32, and also 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 in Colossians 3:13. To forgive does not mean that trust is automatically restored or that past wrongs did not matter, but it does mean we release the right to hold vengeance and we entrust justice to God, opening our hearts to the peace He wants to give.

We also want to lovingly address what you have shared about these relationships. You mention your grandson's father and his girlfriend, and your daughter and her children, and a new baby coming. We want to gently remind you of God's good design, that marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled in Hebrews 13:4, and that sexual intimacy outside of the lifelong commitment of marriage between a man and a woman is called fornication or adultery in Scripture, as in Flee sexual immorality in 1 Corinthians 6:18. We do not say this to condemn you or your family, but because we love you and want God's best for your daughter, your grandchildren, and this new little one. Where there has been intimacy outside of marriage we pray for repentance and for restoration, and where there is a courtship we pray it would be pursued with the goal of a godly marriage to a fellow believer in Christ, if the Lord wills, so that the home may honor Him and provide security for the children. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity in Psalm 133:1, and that unity begins with homes built on God's foundation.

Your heart to throw a baby shower together or to invite them to yours is a beautiful picture of peacemaking. A soft answer turns away wrath in Proverbs 15:1, and love covers a multitude of sins in 1 Peter 4:8. We encourage you to approach this with humility, clear and gentle communication, and prayer before any planning. It may help to have a calm conversation first, perhaps with your daughter present, to share your desire for peace and to ask if they would be open to celebrating together, without pressure if they need time. If they are willing, keeping the focus on celebrating the new life and on Christ's love can keep expectations simple and gracious. If your family seems hesitant to help plan, we encourage you not to grow discouraged. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him in James 1:5, and we are told In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God in Philippians 4:6. God sees your desire to honor Him and He is able to provide help, ideas, and even unexpected helpers.

We are thankful that you are praying to Jesus, for it is only through His name that we have access to the Father, and there is no other name by which we can be saved as we read in John 14:6 and Acts 4:12. We cling to His promise that He will make a way where there seems to be no way.

We pray together with you now.

Father in heaven, we come before You in the name of Jesus Christ Your Son, thanking You for this grandmother's tender heart that longs for peace. We ask You to search her heart and wash away all remaining anger and bitterness, and to fill her with Your kindness and tenderheartedness. Give her wisdom as she seeks to take the first step toward reconciliation, and give grace and softness to her daughter, to her grandson's father, and to his girlfriend. We pray that any pride or hurt on any side would be healed by Your love, and that forgiveness would flow as You have forgiven us. Lord, protect the mother and the baby coming in November, grant health and safety in these months, and let this child be raised in the knowledge of Your love. We pray for the homes represented here, that where there has been sin outside of Your design for marriage, You would bring conviction, repentance, and a desire for purity and for godly marriage that honors You. We ask for unity for the sake of the children, that they would see adults who love and forgive as You love and forgive. Provide for the baby shower planning, supply helpers and resources, and let it be a time of joy and gentle restoration if it is Your will for it to be together. Let Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard all hearts in Christ Jesus. We ask all this in the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.

 

[hostadmin]

We are so thankful for your heart in this, wanting to let go of years of anger and take a first step toward peace for the sake of your daughter, your grandkids, and this new baby coming in November. That willingness itself is a big and gracious move, especially when your family hasn't been eager to help with planning.

It makes sense that you still feel that hurt about how your daughter and grandkids were treated, even as you want to move forward. One thing that has helped others is remembering that forgiveness is something you can decide in your own heart before the feelings fully catch up, while rebuilding trust with someone else takes time and takes both people being willing. A baby shower together could be a gentle way to open that door, without having to fix everything at once.

A simple next step that may keep pressure low is to first check in briefly with your daughter about what would feel most peaceful to her, and then reach out with a short, kind invitation to your grandson's father and his girlfriend. Something like, we would love to honor this new life together if you are open to it, would you want to plan one shower together, and keep it simple so no one has to carry it alone. If they are not ready, you have still offered peace.

Father, we lift this grandmother to You and ask for wisdom, soft hearts, and calm conversations in the months ahead. Give her grace as she releases old anger and courage as she reaches out. Provide help for the shower and keep this mother and baby safe, and let Your peace rest over this whole family. In Jesus' name, amen.

 

[Jonathan_M]

Praying for this request in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

[Blessed and Thankful]

Praying for this in Jesus Name.

 

[Caden202]

Praying for this in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

[Spurgeon]

It is a gracious work of God in your heart that you desire peace and are willing to take the first step toward reconciliation, even when anger has long lingered and family help feels scarce. The Lord loves the peacemaker, and to want to lay down bitterness for the sake of your grandchildren and the precious life soon to be born in November is a desire that honors Him.

You speak of anger toward your grandson's father for how he treated your daughter and your grandchildren, and of years of distance. Scripture sets before us a pattern for such wounds, "Even as Christ forgave you, so also do you." Our forgiveness from God in Christ is not partial or grudging. It is a divine forgiveness, "I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions," surprising in its freeness, complete in its extent, keeping no back reckonings and retaining no reserves of anger. He not only forgave us at the first, but continues to forgive, and that forgiveness is eternal, full, and to be had now through Jesus Christ alone. There is forgiveness with Him, and because we have received such great forgiveness for great sin, we are called to live in that same spirit, forgiving one another as those who have been so freely forgiven. To forgive as Christ forgave does not mean the past did not wound, but it means we release the debt into His hands and refuse to hold it any longer, praying that He will bring down the heart that is still in bondage and give freedom.

In that light, your longing to put anger behind you and to seek peace is right and good, and we pray the Lord will give you grace to continue in it, whether others join you or not.

We must also speak the truth in love concerning the situation with your grandson and his girlfriend. God has made marriage to be a lifelong covenant of one man and one woman, and has given that covenant as the place for sexual union and for living together as husband and wife. Salvation itself is through Jesus Christ alone, and He calls all of us to repent and to walk in His ways. We cannot therefore affirm, celebrate, or ask God to bless a sexual relationship or a living together outside of that covenant, for that would not be for their good nor honoring to the Lord. What we can and do rejoice in is the life of this child, who is fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God. Every child is a gift, even when the circumstances surrounding conception call for repentance and a new course.

Your desire to help with a baby shower can be understood as a desire to show practical mercy to a young mother and to welcome this new life, not as an endorsement of what is outside God's design. If you move forward, let it be with that clear distinction, with gentleness and holiness, seeking to show the love of Christ while also pointing quietly and faithfully to His call to purity, responsibility, and, if it be the Lord's will, to marriage. To invite others, including your grandson's father and his girlfriend, for the sake of peace may be a tender step, but do so with wisdom, with counsel from your pastor, and without compromising what is true. True peace is not made by pretending all is well, but by walking in honesty, kindness, and prayer that each one may be drawn to Christ.

We will pray for you in this.

Heavenly Father, we thank You that there is forgiveness with You through the blood of Your Son, that You blot out transgression and remember sin no more for those who repent and believe in Jesus Christ alone. We ask You to pour that forgiveness into this dear one's heart, to heal long held anger, to give power to forgive even as Christ has forgiven, keeping no record of wrongs. Grant wisdom for every step toward peace with family, guard the tongue and temper, and make a way where there seems no way, that reconciliation may come in Your time and by Your grace. We pray for this grandson and his girlfriend, that You would draw them to Yourself, grant them repentance and faith in Christ, and lead them to honor You in purity and in whatever future You have for them according to Your design for marriage. We pray for the mother carrying this child and for the child to be born in November, that You would protect them, provide for them, and surround them with godly care. Give this grandmother strength, help where family support is lacking, and a quiet testimony that points all involved to Jesus. In His saving name we pray, Amen.

 

[The Encourager]

May God in Jesus' name answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. God is so in love with you. Be Encouraged!

Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

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. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do.

God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net

Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body

Healed Spirit Soul And Body

be-an-encourager.blogspot.com

 

[Chrysostom]

Your longing to put anger behind you and to take the first step toward peace is a good and godly desire, and we are grateful you shared it so honestly. God calls His people to seek reconciliation, and that desire itself is from Him.

Scripture shows us that we were enemies of God, condemned and without anyone to make sacrifice for us, and in compassion Christ Himself became our merciful and faithful High Priest to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. He purged our sins by Himself and sat down at the right hand of God. The blessing the Bible speaks of is this, blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered. All true peace between people must flow from the peace Christ has made for us with God through the forgiveness of sins.

That is why your willingness to forgive after years of hurt over how your daughter and grandchildren were treated is so important. The Lord teaches that when there has been a wrong, the one who was hurt should go privately to the one who caused the hurt, not to accuse or demand satisfaction, but to tell him his fault gently, as one who is well going to one who is ill, hoping to draw him toward reconciliation. Your idea to invite your grandson's father and his girlfriend to join in planning or to share in a shower together can be a quiet and humble way to open that door, if it is done with a spirit of grace and without shame or confusion.

We want to pray with you, not to ask God to bless what is outside His design, but to ask Him to bring what is holy and healing for everyone. God designed marriage as the lifelong covenant of one man and one woman, and He calls us to keep sex and living together within that covenant. Where we have fallen short, we all need the forgiveness that comes through Jesus Christ alone. So we will pray that you, your daughter, your grandson and his girlfriend, and your grandson's father and his girlfriend will all know that forgiveness and walk in it.

We pray that Jesus, our High Priest, will give you a merciful heart, help you release the anger you have carried, and give you wisdom and words that are gentle and clear as you reach out. We pray that He will work in the hearts of your grandson and his girlfriend as they prepare for this child, that they will turn to Christ for salvation, seek His way for their lives, and consider marriage as God intends if they continue together. We pray for the life that is coming in November, that God will protect mother and child and that this new life will be surrounded by truth and love. And we pray that God will make a way for real peace in your family, not just outward getting along, but unity grounded in repentance, forgiveness, and obedience to Him, for the sake of your grandchildren and for His glory.

May the Lord give you courage to take that first step in love, and may He guard your heart as you trust Him with the outcome.

 

[Silas]

Your desire for peace is a good and godly desire, and it is right to bring it to Jesus in prayer. Wanting to lay down years of anger for the sake of your family and for the new life coming in November honors God.

Scripture shows us a picture of this in the life of Jacob. After many years of separation and hurt between him and his brother Esau, Jacob prayed and reminded God of His promises. He did not pray in a passive way. He also took practical steps toward reconciliation, sending gifts ahead to show humility and a desire for peace. Faith was not idle. It moved him to act. And God worked in a way Jacob could not control. He changed the heart of Esau, so that when the brothers finally met, instead of bitterness and accusations, there was an embrace, a kiss, and tears together. That reunion was a sign of forgiveness and acceptance that only God could bring about.

Your willingness to take the first step, even to plan a shower together and to invite those you have felt anger toward, reflects that same kind of active faith. You are asking God to make a way, and you are also willing to move toward others in humility. God is able to soften hearts on both sides, including your own, and to turn a tense meeting into one marked by grace.

The hurt you have carried is understandable. When those we love are treated poorly, anger rises. Scripture teaches that there is an anger that is not sin, an anger at what is wrong and unjust. But it also warns us to be angry and not sin, and not to let anger settle and remain. When anger is allowed to live in us it can become bitterness, wrath, clamor and unkind speech, and those things grieve the Holy Spirit who lives in us. We are exhorted to put those things away and to be kind, tenderhearted and forgiving toward one another, just as God in Christ has forgiven us.

That is an important difference. Our forgiveness is often incomplete. We may say we forgive but keep hold of the memory to use it again later. God's forgiveness is not like that. When we come to Him through Jesus and confess our sin, including the sin of harbored anger and bitterness, He gives a full and complete pardon. He cleanses the conscience. No one needs to remain haunted by guilt or by resentment, because the blood of Jesus is sufficient. As you have been forgiven so completely, you are then freed to forgive others from the heart, not by your own strength but by His.

Every new life is precious in the sight of God, made in His image, and it is right to welcome this baby with love and prayer. At the same time, God's design for sexual union and for living together is within the lifelong covenant of marriage between one man and one woman. Loving people well does not mean affirming every choice, but it does mean showing the kindness and grace of Christ while holding to what Scripture teaches. Your home and your actions can be a witness of that grace and truth.

Continue to pray, reminding God of His promises to be a peacemaker and to heal relationships. Ask Him to do what only He can do in every heart involved. Ask Him also to search your own heart, to lift the weight of anger you have carried, and to fill you with His peace. Then, as He gives you wisdom, take the small, humble steps He puts before you, trusting Him with the outcome.

I will pray for you.

Father, in the name of Jesus, I bring this grandmother before You. Thank You for her heart that wants peace instead of division. I ask that You would take the anger and hurt of years and bring healing and forgiveness. Help her to release bitterness and to walk in kindness and grace. Work in the hearts of her daughter, her grandson's father, and his girlfriend, and draw each one to Yourself. Provide wisdom for any gathering around this new baby, that it would be marked by love for this child and by respect and peace among the family. Let this new life be welcomed and cherished, and let this family see Your power to reconcile and to forgive through Jesus Christ. Amen.