Most of you live with families. All of us come from families of various sizes. Our families know us the best. They are some of the most influential people in our lives whether we realize it or not. Despite all this many of us find our families the hardest people in the world to get along with. But since we spend something like 20 years living with our families and will be connected with them for the rest of our life we should do our best to cultivate our relationships with our family members. I have seen families split over the stupidest things because their relationships were strained and when an issue came up the fine thread snapped. The Bible says "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
For brothers to dwell together in unity!" Psalm 133:1 It says "brothers" but this verse could apply to any family relationship; brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers. Having a good relationship with the members in your family is a wonderful thing. I have love my family dearly. They are the people I love the most. I have a pretty good relationship with my family but there are times when I realize that my relationship with them isn't what it should or could be. Am I the only one or do some of you know what I mean? God has been teaching me, through different means, about what it means to live in a family and what my place in my family is. I think I will be on this learning journey until I get married and then my family dynamic will change and I will have to start all over again!! Being that we are all sinful, fallen people our relationships will never be perfect and will always need work.
I am inviting y'all to join me on the journey. Do you want to come? It would be much nicer to have company. It is always nicer to know someone is dealing with the same thing I am.
The first thing I am going to suggest in building stronger relationships with our family members is that we pray for them. I know that as christians we do that alot and it seems rather mundane but really God is the only one who can strengthen our relationships. When we pray for our family members it draws our hearts to them whether we like it or not. When there is a problem between us praying and thanking God for our parents or siblings it helps put things into perspective (sometimes the last thing in the world we want. Believe me; I know from experience :\) And they (your family members) really appreciate it when they know you are praying for them. So my challenge for this week, that I am taking and you can join me if you want, is this; assign a family member to each day of the week (if you have a big family like me some people might have to share a day) and make sure to pray for them on that day. Thank God for them and be thoughtful about it. Thank him for the character attributes He has given them that are a blessing (cheerfullness, helpfulness, strength etc.) Thank Him for all that they add to your life (adventure, surprises, sunshine) Pray for strength and help for them with the problems and troubles that you know they are having. And most of all pray that God will grow you closer together.
Have a lovely day and enjoy the family God has given you!!!
This is me and my family five years ago. We are two people short in this picture :):)
Excellent post, Em!!! Yes! I agree! I also struggle with this issue. Especially with my brothers. But I'm learning to be loving, gracious, kind, merciful, patient, and being a godly example to them! Its a challenge. I'm often faced with my ungodly conduct or behavior, and how it effects my brothers. For an example, if I treat someone with disrespect or ill, they'll most likely do the same...but they'll be twice or triple worse. My sin might not be evident, but it'll show up in my brothers. I'm always examining myself to see whether I am a godly influence to my brothers or not. And it's a great thing to examine! :) It's dangerous to hide sin. You'll end up see yourself as good, moral, and righteous in your own eyes, but not in God's eyes. That's what makes me examine myself. And yes, I'll join you also! Being the oldest is a challenge, but a high calling! I love being the oldest in our family, though it brings challenges and trials, but that's how we grow in Christ. When we are put in tough situations we will be refined, just like 1 Peter 1: 6-9 says. That's only if we are Christians! Praise God! :) As I said earlier, GREAT POST, Em!!! VERY EDIFYING!!! Keep up it!!! And remember that Im in the same boat as you are. ;) We're there to encourage, edify, exhort, and comfort each other! ;)
ReplyDeleteWOW!!! Hanna, I think you get the award for the longest comment on my blog ;) I agree, being the oldest is a responsibility and I can see my behavior mimicked in my younger siblings whether good or bad. I guess it is a form of accountability :) I am glad you are in this with me :):)
ReplyDeleteI'm with you! Thanks for the reminder. It is so wonderful to know that there are other girls out there who care about the condition of their families and the roles that they play as a daughter. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI'm in. Since my bother left, I found I'm praying for my family a lot more, and you post encouraged me to continue praying for them.
ReplyDelete~Lacy