I've been thinking about family a lot lately. Not my immediate family (Dh, and kids) but more like sisters, parents, Aunts, Uncles, you get the idea.
Also about what it means to be a part of the body of Christ.
I struggle with where to draw lines.
If you have unbelieving family, how much (if any) interaction do you have? What if they even profess Christ but their lives just don't back that up?
I wonder if excluding some members is really the right thing. Do I leave them out of my life because they treat me bad and drag up lots of junk? Or do I put up with the junk and hope that my life will somehow show them Christ? That's what they need. I think I just need to keep on praying because I love them and miss them.
God is powerful and amazing.
Also about what it means to be a part of the body of Christ.
I struggle with where to draw lines.
If you have unbelieving family, how much (if any) interaction do you have? What if they even profess Christ but their lives just don't back that up?
I wonder if excluding some members is really the right thing. Do I leave them out of my life because they treat me bad and drag up lots of junk? Or do I put up with the junk and hope that my life will somehow show them Christ? That's what they need. I think I just need to keep on praying because I love them and miss them.
God is powerful and amazing.
5 comments:
That's a tough one. If it's a matter of safety than I would think that would be a justifiable reason to cut off contact. But if that's not the case I almost feel compelled that we rise up to the challenge and stick it out with love. I just can't see Christ shutting people out that need him the most.
My thoughts.
Yes, Gayle's thoughts do have merit...
As hard as it is for me, as much as I want to side with you about not seeing the family anymore due to emotional pain.....
I must ask: Who is going to show them Christ? You just never know when Christ will break through to them.....
Through you.
I have a hard time saying all of this, because I too want to shut people out of my life that cause me stress, pain, and exhaustion...
But what if I'm the only example of Christ that they see??
Just rambling....
I'll pray for you on this matter.
Leanne
I've struggled with this issue too. My husbands family are not saved. We don't live close enough for regular interaction, but we do make a point of visiting when we go up that way although I won't stay overnight with them anymore.
So I'd say to not exclude them totally from your life, but keep the interaction to a level you are comfortable with, and PRAY PRAY PRAY for them!!! (And for yourself to be a good witness during the times you are together.)
This is one that I have dealt with directly, so I think I can speak with some experience here...
Most of mine and Mark's families are unsaved and some are frankly living in blatant sin (alcoholism, gay, drug-abuse, living with each other, ect...and those are all SEPERATE family members).
I have prayed sooooo hard about the very things you have mentioned and my conclusion is that we are to be the light of Jesus to them which includes helping them and listening and on and on, BUT we do need to put healthy boundaries in place, as well. And that is specific to each situation, I think.
I don't want to put too much up here on a public forum, but if you want to email me, I'd be happy to talk to you about it further!
westiecrew6 at gmail dot com
Colossians 3:12-14
Therefore as Gods chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers up all wrongs. proverbs 10:12
Matthew 5:23-24
Therefore, if you are offering your gifts at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.
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