“Think not that I am come to send peace on earth; I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.” Matt. 34-38
Today’s Christian Daily Devotional
Did you ever wonder if your family will ever have peace and just get along? According to these scriptures,most likely, you will not. (Sorry!) Why do you think the Lord said this? Making a stand for Jesus and becoming adopted into His family has many benefits. When you become a child of God, you cannot just accept the benefits without the rest of the package. When you enter into His spiritual family, you step out of being a child of darkness. Maybe many members of your family have made the choice to reject Jesus Christ. Whenever there is a difference of opinion or conviction, it can naturally create a conflict. A child of God has completely different goals, interests and motivations than a person who does not want to live with God as the head of their home. When you know how much pain that rejecting God will eventually bring, you (naturally) want to protect your loved one and have them come to know Christ (just as you have). Stop and really think about what it took for you to come to know God personally. (Most of the time it will take a LOT.) God loves your family more than you do. Remember, God promises His children that He will provide a peace that passes all understanding. Especially in your conflict, remind Him of that promise and ask Him to ground you in it. He will give you the strength to endure the honor of carrying your cross and bearing His name with honor. Continue to be a light and a testimony, as your loved one’s eyes will be watching you closely. This is your test; and your testimony and witness are dependent on your attitude. The most powerful way you can win anyone over to God is with your loving actions (and calm state of being). Words have no weight without them.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
You have blessed me with a family that I love so much, it tears me apart that we don’t get along, especially for your name’s sake. It is so hard not to react in anger at their rejection. Help me to see this is not a personal rejection, as they are really rejecting the Christ who lives within me. Lord, I do not want to ever choose anyone over you, even my family. You are my God, my Father, the one that loves me unconditionally. Can you show me how to do the same? Show me how to be a testimony to you by giving me wisdom with my words and actions as all eyes are watching me to see if you shine through. Lord, let you light shine through my broken vessel, and allow me to lead others to you with no hinderance on my part. For your Kingdom, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”