Oh, what a horrible thing to experience and I'm so sorry for your 14-year-old self.
I was 28 when it dawned on me that as long as I engaged with my family, the unpleasant experiences I had with them would continue, but I've always been very family-oriented (it's just who I am), so it took me another 20 years and a really huge simultaneous metaphorical slap in the face from my parents and one sister for me to walk away, and it didn't even bother me to do it. The last 20 years of my life have been the happiest I've ever known.
Well done. Nothing worse than being controlled and made to feel guilty. I spent years thinking I was to blame for being abused, then realised it was a satanic lie. Forgave, prayed for my mum and step-dad and got free and happy. Got the chance to reconnect with them years later, treasure the way she said she was grateful I'd forgiven her. God is good.
So do it because Jesus said we should, out of respect and obedience to Him. Or at least ask for the grace to do it. It is important: there is a passage in the Bible about God being hindered in His ability to bless us. Obedience is better than sacrifice, its to benefit us and help us grow.
Oh, what a horrible thing to experience and I'm so sorry for your 14-year-old self.
I was 28 when it dawned on me that as long as I engaged with my family, the unpleasant experiences I had with them would continue, but I've always been very family-oriented (it's just who I am), so it took me another 20 years and a really huge simultaneous metaphorical slap in the face from my parents and one sister for me to walk away, and it didn't even bother me to do it. The last 20 years of my life have been the happiest I've ever known.
Well done. Nothing worse than being controlled and made to feel guilty. I spent years thinking I was to blame for being abused, then realised it was a satanic lie. Forgave, prayed for my mum and step-dad and got free and happy. Got the chance to reconnect with them years later, treasure the way she said she was grateful I'd forgiven her. God is good.
So do it because Jesus said we should, out of respect and obedience to Him. Or at least ask for the grace to do it. It is important: there is a passage in the Bible about God being hindered in His ability to bless us. Obedience is better than sacrifice, its to benefit us and help us grow.