The most frustrating place to get stuck is in our relationships with people. It hurts, especially when those people are close to us. What causes more heartache than a cheating spouse or a contemptuous child?

God understands. He's been there. He knows how it feels to have an unfaithful spouse (Malachi 2:11). And He knows how unfair parenting can be. Why can't I have a normal relationship with my child? How can anyone be so ungrateful?

God begins His second speech by reminding Judah that most children honour their parents. So, what's wrong with them? ″If I am a father, where is the honour due to me?″ (1:6). Worse, it's the priests, the leaders whose one job is to worship God, ″who show contempt for [His] name″.

Any parent with a stubborn child is familiar with what happens next. The child concedes nothing. He claims no problem exists. He's going to make you prove it, in excruciating detail. That's exactly how the priests respond to God's charge. They defiantly meet God's gaze and ask, ″How have we shown contempt for your name?″ (v. 6).

God sighs and states the obvious: ″By offering defiled food on my altar.″ The priests pretend to be offended: ″How have we defiled you?″ (v. 7). They're going to make God say it. So He does. Your sacrifices are blind, lame, or diseased. You wouldn't dare treat anyone you respect like this. Yet you offer them to me! ″Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you?″ (v. 8).

When you're stuck with a stubborn child, it's easy to blame yourself. What did I do wrong? None of us are perfect, so we have said and done plenty of dumb things. But that doesn't mean your child's attitude is your fault. God is the perfect Father, yet He has children who disobey Him. A good parent is not necessarily the one with the well-behaved kids. A good parent is the one who firmly yet graciously offers his children a way home.

God pleads with Judah to face the facts. He cannot accept their insulting sacrifices, yet He's ready to forgive, if only they own up to their rebellion and seek reconciliation (v. 9). Judah may have turned away from God, but God's door remains open for them to return. They will, however, have to enter on His righteous terms.

Are you stuck in a relationship that has soured? It's easy to walk away, but it's better to seek reconciliation. Honestly confront, confess what you've contributed, and whenever possible, provide a path home.