Hello ,
A few years ago I saw a picture that put a lump in my throat. I know it's Christmas, but this picture speaks of family, home, and unconditional love.
During this time of year, many family member's heart turn towards those that they love. There's no doubt that in many family units, that there is more than just a little relational struggle between those that are called "brother," "sister," "father," "mother." It's not unheard of, and in fact it can be quite common.
This picture reminds us that while many in the world celebrate the first arrival of the "Prince of Peace," that from time to time, His peace doesn't rest on families. Hurt feelings, wounded pride, and relational misunderstandings can take us down emotional roads that we never would have thought we'd travel.
It can be a difficult pill to swallow, that there may be someone that we love so much who just isn't with us during the holidays, for whatever reason.
We're all looking for redemption, but some are afraid of how that might look if they opened their arms to someone who has used and abused the privilege of being
a part of a family. How is it possible to repair relationships with someone who has hurt so many people?
With God, all things are possible!
Jesus came to planet earth to repair broken relationships, to bring
redemption to those who certainly don't deserve it, and to heal up the emotional and spiritual wounds of those who have been dragged through the relational "mud" of life. It's not a stretch to say that He came for each one of us, and that with His help, we can endeavor to at least acknowledge that we love someone who has hurt us.
It
doesn't mean that we have to allow them back into our lives to hurt us all over again. It doesn't suggest that we have to allow ourselves to be "emotional doormats" with that certain person who has hurt us over and over again. But it does imply that we can view it from a different perspective. We can choose to allow God to help us see others through His lens!
My prayer for you, and for your family today is peace on earth, good will toward men. May your family experience the true joy of Jesus in your lives today!
Have a great day and God bless!
