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ORIGINAL: doinkdom

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ORIGINAL: covenant2
Both my husband and I want the very best relationship that is possible with our son and DIL but Jesus does not ask us to tolerate certain behavior that is over-the-top unless it is for the sake of the gospel - this isn't. In the meantime, we will pray that the Holy Spirit softens their hearts and that they will begin behaving like the Christians they claim to be. Forgiveness is a given when people ask for it. Just a few verses down from the above verses in Mt 18:21-22 Peter asks the question; "...how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Until seven times? Jesus said to him, I do not say to you, Until seven times; but, Until seventy times seven. However, even if that person does not ask for forgiveness, we are still to forgive in our hearts in order to prevent resentment and retaliation. I think we have done that.

I agree, people do not have to ask for our forgiveness in order for us to forgive - as answered by the second bolded scripture verse.

I wanted to give you some encouragement in the area of Forgiveness and I think that by reading this particular blog posting that lists the responses of many of our current church leaders about forgiveness should do that. It's not very long and there are exerpts from men like John Piper and so forth.

As Christians, we are not responsible for the sins of others. But we are responsible for how we respond to being sinned against.

I know you desire resolution and restoration. But until your DIL is ready to confront the issue, there is very little you can physically do, but I don't think you should shake the dust off your sandals just yet. God has His own timing for a reason - I personally don't always like that, but I trust that He knows what is best for me.

Perhaps this is a season where you and your husband just draw closer to God and allow Him to minister to your hearts.