Question from a reader:
I’m a grown adult, and my mother recently passed away. I loved her, but at times I had serious grievances with her and some of the things she did, some of which I believe were deliberate, others unintentional. When I see her in Heaven, will there be the opportunity to discuss and resolve these things?
Answer from Doreen Button, EPM staff:
I believe, based on what I know about God and His character and the nature of the New Earth (the forever Heaven which will come after our resurrection), that if both you and your mom were Jesus followers here, your focus will not be on whatever happened between you but will be on the One who died to have an uninterrupted relationship with you.
Randy has written: “‘So then each of us will give an account of himself to God’ (Romans 14:12). That suggests there might be opportunities to make things right with others in Heaven. …we will be informed, righteous, and godly people who can take responsibility.”
Certainly, both of you will have a perfected perspective when you are with Jesus face to face.
In the meantime, go to Jesus in prayer to ask Him for help in forgiving your mom for any sins against you. And while you’re at it, ask Him to forgive you for holding your mom’s inability to be a perfect mom against her. Remember Jesus’ prayer? “…and forgive our sins as we forgive those who’ve sinned against us.” Nobody’s perfect, and yet God’s grace extends to every one of us. We are called to extend that same grace to each other (whether the one who’s sinned against you is still around or not). Bitterness and resentment are the fruit of an unforgiving heart. Trust me, that’s not fruit you want to cultivate.
“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony” (Colossians 3:12-14).
