The Bible has a lot to say about forgiveness. From the very beginning in the garden to the second coming of our King in Revelations, God’s mercy, grace, and forgiveness is a common thread. Without His forgiveness, we would all face eternal separation from Him. Confession and forgiveness are inseparable.
Just as our relationship with God is based on forgiveness; so too are our relationships with others. Why is it so hard to forgive other people when they do us wrong? Many of us carry the weight of broken relationships - connections with people we once cared for deeply, now fractured by hurtful words or actions. How many times have you heard, “I will forgive you, but I will never trust you again”? I get it! When someone betrays our trust, especially when we’ve made ourselves vulnerable, we opened our hearts, and they trampled it on the floor. But how much has that broken relationship shaped your life? And more importantly, how has it affected your relationship with God? Jesus repeatedly taught about the importance of forgiving each other over and over.
“I tell you, not as many as seven,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven. -- Matthew 18:22 (CSB),
37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. -- Luke 6:37 (CSB)
25 And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven will also forgive you your wrongdoing.” -- Mark 11:24-25 (CSB)
I have been where you are with my son. For many years, he struggled with his mental illness, and I prayed for healing continually, never ceasing. I remember one time when I couldn't stop crying; he was homeless and looked like he was dying. Living with him was impossible, but I never stopped praying. He suffered, and I did as well.
Today, he is living in assisted living, and his medication is now at the right dosage. Don't give up; keep praying and may God's will be done. I will be praying for you and your son.