No human being is infallible. As a parent, there will be times when you make mistakes or inadvertently hurt your adult children. However, failing to apologize and take responsibility for your actions can erode trust and undermine the relationship between you. Matthew 5:23-24 urges: “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First, go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” Offering a sincere apology when you’ve hurt your adult children is an important demonstration of love. Admit your mistakes – from a thoughtless remark to a breach of trust – and express genuine remorse. When apologizing to your adult children, be sincere and specific about what you’re apologizing for. Avoid making excuses or shifting blame onto others. Instead, take full ownership of your actions and their impact. Proverbs 28:13 points out: “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” Express your commitment to repairing the relationship and ask for forgiveness. Understand that forgiveness is a process and may take time. But by giving them a heartfelt apology, you’re taking the first step toward reconciliation. Apologizing doesn’t diminish your authority or undermine your role as a parent. Instead, it demonstrates your humanity and love. When you apologize, you set a strong example of faith for your adult children to follow in their own relationships. They see that you take God’s command to pursue peaceful relationships seriously, which can inspire them to do the same.
In conclusion, relationships between parents and adult children can be complex and challenging at times. But God is a loving father who will help you manage the relationship between you and your adult children well. If you stop these five key behaviors that can harm your relationship, and trust God to help you change how you relate to them, you can see significant improvements. So, don’t worry about what has happened in the past between you. Move forward now with God’s help to build a relationship of love and respect with your adult children. There is hope for you all to enjoy a strong relationship going forward.
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