How does one embrace another when they do not want to change unhealthy behavior? I was always taught to just “let things go”, that a person acts a certain way, because they are who they are, a representative of the times they grew up in…they just don’t know better. But in the last year and half, I have not only tried to see the positive points in this person, but when there were harsh things said, I was willing to confront them. Nevertheless, there was no accountability taken. Apologies given for misunderstandings, or for sounding frustrated; worse yet; “I’m sorry that you are so easily offended.”
I’m sorry. (Pun intended.) But that is not an apology. And no accountability for becoming a verbal barrage of rage or unwilling to see someone’s perspective (even if you disagree with it) shows a lack of empathy. I had hoped it was true. I hoped this person was just ignorant of their behavior. I learned to stop holding onto resentment, and I found that it was more loving to tell someone how they hurt me than to keep it to myself. Because if that person comes to repentance, then it was worth it.
Yet, that was not the outcome. In confronting hurtful words and behavior, I received defensiveness and deflection. There is a statement of intention to watch what is said, but it is more so to not offend me; I can tell it is not a heart change. Just a behavior change, and only doing that, because I finally placed the boundary that should have been built so many years ago.
I learned to forgive, but even now, there is still disappointment. What I explained as ignorance has been proven to be arrogance. The difference between the two is one lacks knowledge and wisdom. However, the latter refuses the wisdom when it is presented. It says that it does not want the knowledge, and pridefully states that they already know better.
Is it even worth sticking around in a relationship with this person? What does it mean to embrace someone, even when they show their faults? Am I just supposed to stomach the comments? Am I to keep my mouth shut? That was how it was dealt with for so many years, and the result of that was hatred birthed in my own heart. I am to the point that something has to be done. And being that I’m not just my own person; I have my own family to think about, I am becoming increasingly convinced that limited contact may be required to prevent any further harm or verbal abuse from occurring. To what extent, I don’t know.
All I know is, presently, I feel like I’m the only one who is speaking out against this person’s behavior. Everyone smiles and tries to have a light-hearted comeback, but no hints are really picked up. Am I being too soft? Too sensitive? Should I just “let it go”? Isn’t that what forgiveness is? Yet, forgiveness is letting go of an offense, and also saying that person doesn’t owe you anything. The hardest lesson I’m learning is that this family member doesn’t owe me any apologies. Maybe I am finally coming to the part of acceptance, but there is still grief, because I hoped so much this person was willing to listen and learn.
I was recently reminded of the way Jesus interacted with the rich young ruler. Jesus confronted this man, shared that he abided by all the laws, but still failed in loving his neighbor. He challenged him to give up his most prized possession. Jesus’ response? No animosity. He just turned and walked the opposite direction. There was no further conversation. There was no more wagering for his heart to change. Jesus let the man have what he wanted. And letting him have what he wanted would mean the consequence of being separate from Jesus.
I have taken the steps I could to bring my offenses with this person. I went one to one with this person. Is a mediator needed? At this point, if my husband hears something, he may pull this person’s husband aside and speak with them. I see a growing likelihood of publicly throwing shame in this person’s face; wondering if a taste of their own medicine is going to wake them up. But will the victim/defense (“What did I do?!”) card be played? Somehow, I think the only way for this person to finally get the hint that they are the root of an inward family hurt is if others start speaking up.
That’s not happening, and I feel I must be careful to not become the family’s protector. My cousins are adults; they have their own families. They must determine what they are willing to tolerate or draw boundaries around. My family’s security is not my responsibility. And neither is this other family member’s repentance. I may have to be more intentionally distant. I know they would like a closer relationship, but I don’t trust them to be respectful. I can pray for them. But like many relationships I have been learning to walk through this year, I am finding prayer is my only resort; and God is the only One who can make the change.
“The Numb Fool” (inspired by Linkin Park)
I was seeking
For love,
Wanting to be seen
For the gift I am.
But even in your sights,
I still fell
Below
The standards of approval.
Never enough;
Always something to fix.
Always talking about Jesus,
But confused of what I was hearing;
Was it really from Him?
You have become so numb.
I don’t think you care.
All I wanted to be was to be wanted
For me,
But that was never intended,
Unless I became less
Like me,
And more like you.
What will it take for me
To be free of your grasp;
To not care what you think
And even let you have
Your consequence?
You want to call everyone
Different from you
Stupid.
But have you ever thought that
You may not always be right?!
What were you told
When you were a child
That made you judgmental
As an adult?
What insecurities do you hold
But never share,
Because a mirror may be revealed?
You have become so numb.
I fear you don’t care.
You speak so much
Of the grace of Jesus,
But I fail to see His light.
Sometimes our own goodness
Blinds us
To see our own sin.
You quickly call out fools;
And yes, there is an ignorance
Of the knowledge of God.
But there is a fool borne
Out of arrogance.
And the only fool I know
Of this kind,
Is you.
I used to hate you
For all the ways
You made me feel less than.
I learned to love you
Enough
To confront the hidden toxins
In your speech.
I was hopeful humility would
Have its perfect work.
But inward morality persuades
The offenses are others’ problems.
For that
I will respect you
To let you have your way.
And I will respect me
To not be in the midst of it.
I may have to take my leave;
And maybe in the distance,
You will finally see
The change that must be made
To no longer be numb.
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