A series on how to get through the holidays with peace, hope, and comfort.
Blog Post 3
How do we handle family challenges and difficulties during this time of year?
This is a time of year when family challenges and difficulties can be heightened and while it is supposed to be the most joyous time of year, for many, it is often riddled with pain and heartache.
May I invite you to consider some of these tips for handling difficult family challenges?
1. Be holy just as He is holy. This simply means let’s set our minds on how He would have us live. What should be the characteristics of a Godly person? Let’s remind ourselves that during this time of year we might need extra grace to deal with our family situations but with God’s help we can be the people He wants us to be.
“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” Colossians 3:12-14 NLT
2. Let’s be the peacemakers as much as it is possible.
“Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18
3. Let’s do everything we can to avoid arguments.
“Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.” 2 Timothy 2:23-24
4. Let’s be virtuous people who are quick to forgive and overlook an offense.
“An understanding person demonstrates patience, for mercy means holding your tongue. When you are insulted, be quick to forgive and forget it, for you are virtuous when you overlook an offense.” Proverbs 19:11
“A soft and gentle and thoughtful answer turns away wrath, but harsh and painful and careless words stir up anger.” Proverbs 15:1 AMP
5. When the circumstances are too much to handle alone, let’s seek Godly counsel.
“Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Proverbs 11:14
6. However, let us not be those who partake in gossip. Gossip destroys families as well as friendships.
“He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love. But he who repeats or gossips about a matter separates intimate friends.” Proverbs 17:9 AMP
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29-30 NIV
7. Let’s keep a humble heart. Perhaps there is something in us that we need to change or adjust in our attitude, thoughts, or actions.
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.” James 4:10 NLT
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” Psalm 139:23-24
8. Finally, and most importantly, let’s take the challenging and difficult situations in our families to the Lord.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
“be unceasing and persistent in prayer” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 AMP
With this prescription in mind, I believe we can overcome the difficulties in our families that may present themselves to us this time of year.
How will you prepare your heart and mind to face the possibilities of difficult and challenging situations in your families this holiday season?
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