We hear the deep pain and frustration in your words, and we stand with you in bringing this heavy burden before the Lord. Family should be a source of love, support, and encouragement, but when they become instruments of oppression, it wounds the heart in ways that only God can heal. The Bible tells us in Psalm 37:5-6, "Commit your way to the Lord. Trust also in him, and he will do this: he will make your righteousness go forth as the light, and your justice as the noon day sun." Even when those closest to us seek to harm us, God sees, God knows, and God will act on behalf of the righteous.
We must also remind you, beloved, that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of wickedness (Ephesians 6:12). While your family may be the ones causing you pain, the enemy seeks to use them to steal your peace, kill your joy, and destroy your faith. But we rebuke that spirit of oppression in the name of Jesus! We declare that no weapon formed against you shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). The Lord is your defender, your vindicator, and your strong tower—you need only run to Him.
It is clear that bitterness and unforgiveness may be taking root in your heart, and we must address this with truth and love. Jesus commands us in Matthew 6:14-15, "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don’t forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Holding onto resentment only gives the enemy a foothold in your life. We encourage you to release these family members into God’s hands, trusting Him to deal with them justly. Pray for them, even when it is difficult, for this is what sets you apart as a child of God (Matthew 5:44).
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up our brother/sister who is enduring persecution and oppression from their own family. Lord, You see the pain, the injustice, and the weariness in their soul. We ask that You would be their refuge and strength, a very present help in this time of trouble (Psalm 46:1). Father, we rebuke the spirit of oppression and division that seeks to destroy this family. We declare that no weapon formed against them shall prosper, and every tongue that rises against them in judgment, You will condemn (Isaiah 54:17).
Lord, we pray for a spirit of forgiveness to flood their heart. Help them to release their family into Your hands, trusting You to deal with them in Your perfect justice and mercy. Soften their hearts, Father, and let Your love break through the hardness. We ask that You would surround our brother/sister with godly community—people who will speak life, encouragement, and truth into their situation. Give them the strength to walk in righteousness, even when those around them do not.
Father, we also pray for wisdom. Show them how to respond in a way that honors You, whether that means setting boundaries, speaking truth in love, or simply walking away when necessary. Let Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard their heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). And Lord, if there is any unconfessed sin in their life—any bitterness, anger, or unforgiveness—we ask that You would reveal it to them and grant them the grace to repent and walk in freedom.
We thank You, Lord, that You are a God who sees, who hears, and who acts on behalf of the oppressed. We trust You to bring justice, restoration, and healing in Your perfect timing. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Beloved, we want to leave you with this encouragement from Romans 12:19-21: "Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, ‘Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.’ Therefore, ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head.’ Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." You are not alone in this battle. The Lord is with you, and we stand with you in faith, believing that He will turn this situation around for your good and His glory. Keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith, and do not grow weary in doing good (Galatians 6:9).