[chasinHIM]

Hi,
I know there are so many forums for how parents should deal with 'prodigal children', but how do sibling who are equally affected by the actions of those children...deal. I come from a pretty strong family. We are all there for each other, root for each other and are in general very supportive of each other. I come from a large family and all of us children are grown, with some living in the house (those early to mid 20's) while we finish up school. My younger brother has been SO difficult to live with. He has always been rebellious since his teen year, but some how made it to college (with the support of my unyielding parents). To be honest its great his is in school, but what bother me is the way he is steering his life, the way he treats my parents and his siblings. I have been blessed to grow in my faith over these last couple of years and when interacting with my brother I try my best to speak in TRUTH and in love with him. At first it seemed as it was getting through to him, but over sometime he started to drift so far left in smoking, drinking and promiscous behaviors. We are all exhausted of dealing with the same stuff...I keep thinking to myself when will he grow up...I feel my self growing in Anger with him, upset with him...its frustrating. I know we have our own walk, out own life, but I can't help but be affected because this is my brother. I have begun to set boundaries and am committed to preserve in my own spiritual walk, but I somehow I feel like this situation is pulling be down (and attempting to harden my heart). I guess in essence I am asking how do I use this experience to empower me, and stay focused on praying for myself and my brother...I do believe 'that all this will work for good' Romans 8:28...(not even that he will change completely or immediately..although that will be nice, but we will get all that we are to from the situation (i.e.: character, etc) from this experience as God wills)....but it is hard when you're frustrated, discouraged, angry and tired to stay focused on what I know to be true. Any advice on how I deal this situation, how I should treat/interact with my brother and how I can use this experience to strengthen my faith...I know its hard but I am committed to doing...just need some advice

[abrahamalegre]

I just want to start off my saying to you that there is NOTHING that is too hard for God to fix. It may be a process and there may be some wounds that will take longer to heal, but the important thing right now is to let the healing process begin by letting go of the past and start fresh today, right now

[shinkumi]

abrahamalegre is right., time heals all wounds and God will surely help you along the way. There should always be forgiveness in your heart too.



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[babyled]

I have struggled with the same situation. One thing that always serves as a comfort for me is the knowledge that I can't change or control another person; I can only control myself, and do the best I can to live the way God wants me to do. Just keep loving your brother and treating him the way God wants you to, and continue to live your life as a good example for him to follow. God already knew your brother would be going through these struggles, and God definitely can handle whatever he is going through. Pray for him, continue to live as God wants you to, speak the truth in love, and trust in God!