Family problems-Part 1
Luke 8:19-20 ‘Once when Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him, they couldn’t get him because of the crowds. Someone told Jesus, “Your mother and your brothers are outside, and they want to see you.”
Extra Reading: Luke 8:1-20.
What comes to mind when you hear the word “family”? For many, the word recalls happy memories. For others, the associations are not so pleasant. Whatever your biological family is like, following Jesus means that you are part of the worldwide family of God. This family isn’t perfect; brothers and sisters in Christ have their rough edges. We should know that all families have problems! Living together through the thick and thin of everyday life, family members will encounter struggles and stressors all along the way. Whether it is a major problem like substance abuse, serious illness, natural disaster or economic failure, or a minor difficulty like sibling rivalry, unhealthy coalitions in the family or personal conflicts between family members, it will take a toll on family relationships. One encouraging factor is that there are relational problems that family members can change. Some external problems are usually beyond the control of the family.
There are four common problems that lead to internal family disharmony, namely, conditional love, shame, control and distance. If a family is to function effectively, members must first recognize and then learn to change these disruptive patterns. We often hear of healing principles like covenant, grace, empowerment and intimacy. Knowing the difference between harmful and healing relationship dynamics will point families in the right direction of health. And, embracing these healing principles family members will be able to combat the relational problems that cripple their functioning. Healing relationship principles will move family members toward well-being, whereas repeating the hurting patterns will move them toward further strife. But we should have great comfort to know that the human family, with God the Father as the head, God the Son as the elder brother, and God the Holy Spirit as the “family tie”, will one day be perfected together. Until then, believers must try to keep family squabbles under control, lest they reflect badly on the Father who loved them enough to make them his adopted children.
Prayer: Father God, it is comforting to know that you care for family. Thank you, in Jesus Christ’s name, we pray, Amen!
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