FAMILY IS FOREVER

In the movie 'Dolphin Tale' one of the main characters gave his nephew a token of his love before he went off to war and it was inscribed with the words "Family Is Forever'. Your family is there or should be when the world runs out on you. Too many families are fractured in today's world. Wedding vows seem to be meaningless to many. The traditional family is indeed the backbone of our society.

When a family member suffers all should want to help. I know of a family where two siblings had a quarrel a few years ago and neither one would budge to restore their relationship. To this day they have not spoken. When the family unit breaks down it affects all members. If you are the product of a divorce I am not trying to condemn you because God can and does forgive and redeem and heal. He is indeed the God of a second chance. When a member of the body hurts all members should hurt. Do not point the finger and condemn.

If you are reading this today pray for the unity of your own family unit. Pray that you will always do what it takes to keep things working properly. Above all keep Christ in the center. If you are a married couple and one spouse claims to know Jesus but yet does not read his or her Bible and seemingly acts like the rest of the world after Sunday do not preach to them, simply pray.

Parents out there, if you have a child who has messed up or is a prodigal, love them and pray for them. God is not through with them yet. If you have messed up and hurt someone ask forgiveness. Harboring resentment and hatred only keeps the argument going. Be the bigger person and seek to restore a relationship if one is broken.

Be devoted to your family and your spouse. It is okay to be independent and have your own interests but you should also try to find things that you like to do together. Some couples are already very uniquely matched in their interests so this is not hard to do. Be thankful if you are and nurture that time together for intimacy and building a strong married life. Romans 12:10 says "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." Treat others like you want to be treated. Go out of your way to show kindness. If you are spoken to harshly do not retaliate but respond with love.

 If you are a part of an estranged family and maybe you have been the one not willing to budge, then pray and ask for courage to confront this to mend a broken relationship. Some family members can in fact be downright mean and try to bring dissension in the ranks, so to speak. That type of person would indeed be hard to embrace and love. Just keep praying. Try to love them. Perhaps this person has told lies to try to break the family apart or pit one against the other and you have just about had enough. Continue to pray for them. The more you pray the less you want to hate. Romans 12:21 reminds us to "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." That is a good thing to remember. When someone talks sarcastically or hateful to you try to ignore it and speak in love. Hard to do humanly but not with God's help.

 Leave and cleave is the key for marriages. If you are a parent let the children alone once they are married. Do not try to tell them what to do. Do not run to mommy or daddy but seek advice of your spouse. Genesis 2:24 says "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." Leave and cleave that is the key. If you are a child living in the same town as your parents keep this in mind. Meddling families are not a good thing. If your marriage needs help go seek Christian counseling.

Today I write this in honor of my husband of 35 years who affectionately introduces me as his first wife Becky.Today is his birthday. Marriages and families today are under fire more than ever so appreciate and love your family. Remember the vows you took. If you are newlyweds maybe it is good to make it a practice to read your vows each month on the date of your anniversary.  Joel 2:25 reminds us this about God and it says "And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten." Things aren't over if you have messed up. Keep on looking to Jesus. And if you are flourishing as a family keep it that way by looking to Jesus in all things. Keep him in the center. Keep in the word of God.

PRAYER: Lord God thank you for family. Thanks for the family you gave me. Thankyou Lord for problems for through them we learn to be strong. God I ask that you take care of my family and help grow them more and more into your image and  help me always love no matter what. In Jesus Name. Amen.