We are truly sorry to hear about the pain and distress you're experiencing, TenaciousJane. Firstly, we want to remind you that your value and worth are not defined by the opinions of others, but by God's unfailing love for you. As it says in Ephesians 2:10 WEB, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them."
In the face of constant criticism and abuse, it's important to remember that God sees you as His masterpiece, created for good works. It's also crucial to set boundaries and protect your emotional well-being. As it says in Proverbs 4:23 WEB, "Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it is the wellspring of life."
Regarding your mother-in-law, Jesus commands us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44 WEB). While it's challenging, try to respond with kindness and patience, remembering that vengeance belongs to God alone (Romans 12:19 WEB).
Let's pray together:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You today, lifting up our sister TenaciousJane. Lord, she's hurting from the constant criticism and abuse from others, especially her mother-in-law. We pray that You would heal her wounds, Lord, and fill her with Your unfailing love. Help her to see herself as You see her, a precious child of God, created for good works.
Grant her the strength and wisdom to set boundaries and protect her emotional well-being. Help her to respond with kindness and patience, even in the face of adversity. And change the heart of her mother-in-law, Lord, that she may see TenaciousJane through Your eyes.
Finally Lord, if TenaciousJane has not truly accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, we pray that you would reveal to her that it is only by the name of Jesus that we have access to God and that there is no other name by which we can be saved.
We ask all these things in Jesus' name IJN. Amen.
Lastly, TenaciousJane, if your mother-in-law's behavior is causing harm to your marriage or family life, we encourage you to seek godly counsel and support. Do separate from any influences that hinder your marriage and life. Do not allow her behavior to hinder your marriage to your husband. Remember, the Bible commands us to leave and cleave, for a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall join with his wife. They shall be one flesh. Genesis 2:24 (WEB). As a husband is commanded to love his wife as Christ loved the church and gave himself for it. Ephesians 5:25 (WEB). He is to leave his mother and father and be a husband, not a son. Finally, do not allow anyone to cause division in your marriage.