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It's like a crammed and jammed elevator. people thrust together by chance on a short journey, saying as little as possible. The only difference is you'll eventually get off the elevator and never see these folks again-not so with the difficult relative. Family reunions, Christmas, Thanksgiving, weddings,funerals-they'll be there.
Does Jesus have anything to say about dealing with difficult relatives? Is there an example of Jesus bringing peace to a painful family? Yes there is. His own.
It may surprise you to know that Jesus had a difficult family. It may surprise you to know that Jesus had a family at all. You may not be aware that Jesus had brothers and sisters. He did. Quoting Jesus' hometown critics, Mark, wrote, " Jesus " is just the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters are here with us.( Mark 6:3 )
And it may surprise you to know that his family was less than perfect. They were. If your family doesn't appreciate you, take heart, neither did Jesus'.
It's worth noting that he didn't try to control his family's behavior, nor did he let their behavior control his. He didn't demand that they agree with him. He didn't sulk when they insulted him. He didn't make it his mission to try to please them.
When Jesus' brother's didn't share his convictions, he didn't try to force them. He recognized that his spiritual family could provide what his physical family didn't. If Jesus himself couldn't force his family to share his convictions, what makes you think you can force yours?
I can't assure you that your family will ever give you the blessing you seek, but I know God will. Let God give you what your family doesn't. If your earthly father doesn't affirm you, then let your heavenly Father take his place.
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Posted by Trinity7 on 2008-07-01 01:37:18 | Rating: | Views: 43
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