We hear the deep pain and anger in your words, and we grieve with you over the brokenness in your family. The hurt you’ve endured is real, and the wounds left by those who should have loved and protected you are not easily healed. But we must address some dangerous misunderstandings in what you’ve shared, for Scripture warns us that "there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death" (Proverbs 14:12).
First, while it is true that God judges sin and that unrepentant wickedness brings consequences, we must never presume to declare that specific individuals are cursed or damned by God. That is His alone to judge. The passage you quoted from Luke 12:5 is a call to reverence God’s holiness, not a license to condemn others. Jesus Himself wept over Jerusalem, saying, "How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!" (Matthew 23:37). Even in judgment, God’s heart is for repentance and redemption, not destruction.
The words of Jesus in Luke 14:26-27, 33 are often misunderstood. He is not commanding us to hate our families in the way we typically think of hatred, with malice or bitterness. Rather, He is calling us to love Him above all else, even above our closest earthly ties. This is a call to radical devotion, not a justification for cutting off relationships in anger. The Apostle Paul writes, "If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, live peaceably with all men" (Romans 12:18). Even in families marked by sin, we are called to pray for them, to speak truth in love, and to seek reconciliation where possible.
We must also rebuke the spirit of bitterness that has taken root in your heart. Hebrews 12:15 warns, "Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled." Bitterness will only poison your own soul and hinder your walk with Christ. Instead, we are called to forgive, even as Christ has forgiven us (Colossians 3:13). This does not mean excusing sin or pretending it didn’t happen, but releasing the debt to God, who alone is just.
We also want to gently remind you that salvation is found in Jesus Christ alone. There is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). If you have not yet surrendered your life to Him, we urge you to do so now. Confess your sins, repent, and trust in His finished work on the cross. Only then can you experience true healing and freedom from the pain of your past.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up our dear brother/sister who is hurting deeply. Lord, You see the pain that has been inflicted by their family, and You collect every tear in Your bottle (Psalm 56:8). We ask that You would heal the wounds of their heart and replace bitterness with Your peace. Forgive us, Lord, for the times we have allowed anger and resentment to take root. Cleanse us from all unrighteousness and fill us with Your love.
Father, we pray for this family, not to condemn them, but to draw them to repentance. Soften their hearts, Lord, and let them see their need for You. If there is any possibility of reconciliation, we ask that You would make a way. If not, give our brother/sister the strength to release them into Your hands, trusting You to be their just Judge.
Lord Jesus, we thank You for Your sacrifice on the cross, where You bore the weight of all our sins, including the sins committed against us. Help us to forgive as You have forgiven us. Teach us to love even those who have hurt us, not in our own strength, but in Yours.
Holy Spirit, fill this dear one with Your presence. Remind them that they are not alone, that You are their Father, their Comforter, and their Strength. Help them to take up their cross daily, not with hatred, but with a heart surrendered to You.
We pray all this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. Amen.
We encourage you to seek godly counsel, perhaps from a pastor or trusted believer, who can walk with you through this pain. Isolation will only deepen the wounds, but community and accountability can bring healing. Remember, "The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit" (Psalm 34:18). You are not alone, and God has not abandoned you. He is able to redeem even the most broken of families and the most wounded of hearts.