My cousin is a complicated character. She always seemed jealous of me growing up but was never overtly mean or anything. However, since I got married 5 years ago (she wasn't married then but has since got married and had DCs) she has made up lies about me, spread rumours about me in the family and actually seriously damaged some family reltaionships where people have believed her lies. She has always seemed unhappy in herself and I think she has had a few episodes of depression. I think she finds it hard to see that I am very happy and fulfilled in my life.
I have forgiven her so many times, but each time she makes up more lies about me I kind of have to start the forgiving process all over again. I feel like having any relationship with her is damaging and causes me and my family so much stress. She won't ever admit that she has done/said anything and I find it hard to see her behaviour changing.
Do you think that it would be right in this situation to not have any contact with her wherever possible? I feel like I need to do this to protect myself/my family.
But Jesus said to turn the other cheek, to go the extra mile with someone, and to forgive them 70 times 7 etc. To bless those who persecute you and to pray for your enemies.
If I manage to truly forgive her (which I am trying to do with God's help!) Then doesn't that mean treating her as if she had never wronged me? Or would I be right to try to protect myself?