Ask Jessie / My whole life, my dad has just sort of “been there.” I honestly don’t really want anything to do with him because I’m tired of getting hurt by him, but I know that I can’t just completely ignore him. And when he says “I love you,” I don’t feel like it’s real. I hate having to say it back because I know that deep down inside, I really don’t mean it. What should I do?

A dad has the power to hurt a daughter probably more than any other earthly person. I’m not completely sure why, but it obviously has something to do with the way God has wired us, and with the role he has given to fathers. It breaks my heart to see dads who don’t understand the significance of every word they say to their daughters, and who do a poor job of showing their love.

I’m sorry for the things your dad has done to hurt you, sis, but I also know that the only way you will be able to work through those hurts in your life is to forgive your earthly father. And your Heavenly Father is the only One who can help you do that. I don’t know you or your dad, so I can’t give you specific advice on how to handle the day-to-day interaction you have with him, but God’s Word speaks to every situation we face. So get out your Bible and find verses that will remind you to treat your dad with compassion and kindness, help you learn to forgive, and give you the peace to know that no matter how many times your earthly father fails you, your Heavenly Daddy will never let you down. Here are a few verses to get you started:

Exodus 20:12
Matthew 5:43-48
Matthew 6:14-15
Matthew 18:21-22
Psalm 27:10

While you can’t control his actions, you can control yours. So do everything in your power to make things right with him, even when it’s hard. God will bless you for trying if you do it with pure motives and a humble heart.

Love,

Jessie

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