FAMILY MATTERS

If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? – 1 JOHN 4:20 NKJ

We are all brothers and sisters in Christ, and sometimes we have to get real to fix deep-seeded problems in our families.

God made the family before He made the church. That is why it makes no sense to say you love God yet hate your brother, sister, mother, father, aunt, uncle, cousin, or whoever makes up your family.

How real are you willing to become to stop the generations of hate, selfishness, bigotry, adultery, abuse, or whatever else might be holding your family down?

Ask the Holy Spirit to show you if there are people you are choosing to run away from rather than love deeply. Invite Him to show you how to deepen your relationships with these people in His strength. Thank Him for pouring out His love in your heart, and obey anything He tells you to do, whether it seems small or huge, knowing He is giving you the ability to do so as you step out in faith.

PRAYER:

Dear God and heavenly Father, thank You for giving me a family to love and cherish. Please help me to lovingly and humbly confront family members when necessary. Help me to be the peacemaker. Give me the wisdom and the strength to forgive and do what is right every single chance that I get, because I truly want to love everyone deeply, from the heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God bless. Jesus loves you!