We live in a time when resolving relational discord by severing the relationship is acceptable (or even applauded). But what does the Bible say about challenging relationships with parents?
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In my work as a biblical counselor, I’ve seen some badly behaved parents. I’ve talked with their (now adult) children who are suffering the effects of having parents who were thoughtless and neglectful in their childhoods and who continue to be contentious and critical in adulthood. I’ve walked with individuals through the pain of a parent’s inconsistent demonstrations of care, unrealistic high standards, harsh opinions, and selfish relational expectations. Whether inflicted in childhood or adulthood, wounds from parents cut extremely deep.
Popularthinkingsuggeststhatpainfulordysfunctionalrelationshipslikethesecanoftenberemediedbygoing“nocontact.”Inmypractice,I’veencounteredmoreandmorechildrenwhohavealreadycutofftheirparentsoraremovinginthatdirection.AndIseetheeffectsonotherfamilyrelationshipsthatoftenbecomestrainedordisruptedasaresult.Grandchildrenmaybeseveredfromtheirgrandparents;sibl
