CounselingChristians

Q: The last sermon at church was on forgiveness, and I need some advice. Can we forgive but then choose to love someone from a distance?  My mother continues to overstep boundaries, speaks ill of me and everyone in her life, and completely disregards my feelings saying I'm being too sensitive.  I’m not sure how to handle it at this point. I have prayed for years for a stronger relationship with her. It’s unfortunate, as she is a professing Christian who goes to church every week. A: If its those outside our family and church, possibly. But even thrn, your better off keeping things open so you can minister. Dont cut folk off as you may be the only light of Christ they see. You don't want to be like a Jonah. And if both are saved, you bless and help each other grow more like Christ, (Proverbs 27:17, Eccl. 4:12). Today far too many MZ Alpha Gen folk take a cowardly approach to conflict instead of going & seeking to resolve things. They hide out and avoid. And that's wrong ...

Q: In a moment of heat my husband (not a believer) blasphemed twice in front of family, with a lot of anger.  He later apologized (which he never does) but it was such a quick “sorry” just to get me to stop bringing it up.  When he gets upset he will word vomit a bunch of cuss words and say in excuse it’s bc he’s upset.  We have been through so much in our 5 years of marriage, things started gong downhill after our first child was born. We are currently separated and were supposed to be doing counseling but it has been 4 months,  and his angry outburst are just so unpredictable. This separation has made me feel like I don’t love him anymore, I’m also not attracted to him at all physically, mentally, nothing.  I have prayed to be able to forgive him, I have prayed for his heart to soften towards us. It’s scary feeling like there is absolutely no more love towards him anymore. It feels like he will never change, things won’t change.  Appreciate your advice an...

Q: How are we to interact with people we have forgiven? Jesus says we are to forgive seventy times seven times (we are to forgive endlessly), but I struggle with knowing how to treat distant/family members who have sinned (sexual abuse) against my immediate family in the past.  I believe I have forgiven them because I feel free from the pain they've caused, but maybe I haven't actually forgiven because I still don't want to be around them. I have felt convicted about my behavior with them, and while it is not outwardly rude or disrespectful, it is not joyous and loving either. I kind of just avoid them. I think Jesus would want me to be kind to them, but I know it would make me uncomfortable to be around them. It makes me anxious because I am getting married in May and will see all of them again.  A: It is good you are working through this to be as Christlike as possible in this area.  First I will note that the unsaved will and can only behave as their sinful nature does...