But, We’re Not a Perfect Family What to do when struggling with your family

Introduction Within a spectrum of families that enjoy the fruit of being biblically blessed, not one is close to true perfection. Husbands and wives don’t always do what they’re suppose to for or toward each other or their children. Children are not always perfect in their obedience to parents or relationships with their siblings. In other words, biblically blessed families are made up of imperfect (sinful) people.

Within a spectrum of families that enjoy the fruit of being biblically blessed, not one is close to true perfection.

Husbands and wives don’t always do what they’re suppose to for or toward each other or their children.

Children are not always perfect in their obedience to parents or relationships with their siblings.

In other words, biblically blessed families are made up of imperfect (sinful) people.

Introduction There are families within the body of Christ, however, where only one (or a minority) of its members strive to live according to God’s pleasure. These are family members who live with chronic heart-aches as their walk with the Lord clashes with other family members. Even in these situations there is hope through faith, helping brethren, and the loving providential workings of God.

There are families within the body of Christ, however, where only one (or a minority) of its members strive to live according to God’s pleasure.

These are family members who live with chronic heart-aches as their walk with the Lord clashes with other family members.

Even in these situations there is hope through faith, helping brethren, and the loving providential workings of God.

Scenarios of Heartache For Many Christians Difficult situations brethren (as parents or children) experience: Being married to a non believer or an unfaithful (to the Lord) spouse. Having children or parents who refuse to obey the gospel or one who fell away from the Lord. Having a spouse who doesn’t his/her role(s) as a parent or spouse; or one that is abusive. Having Christian parents and/or siblings who are far from being Christ-like in their daily walk.

Difficult situations brethren (as parents or children) experience:

Being married to a non believer or an unfaithful (to the Lord) spouse.

Having children or parents who refuse to obey the gospel or one who fell away from the Lord.

Having a spouse who doesn’t his/her role(s) as a parent or spouse; or one that is abusive.

Having Christian parents and/or siblings who are far from being Christ-like in their daily walk.

Scenarios of Heartache For Many Christians In each of the above circumstances the often associated feelings take place. Guilt. Anger. Sadness. Depression.

In each of the above circumstances the often associated feelings take place.

Guilt.

Anger.

Sadness.

Depression.

Improving Your Family Situation Things that you can do. Consider your situation: rejoice; pray; give thanks. 1 Thess. 5:17 Ask your brethren for help (this may be hard when brethren don’t appear interested in helping). Give up man-made solutions to your problems. 1 Pet. 3:10-12 Be patient with your family and God. Gal. 6:9

Things that you can do.

Consider your situation: rejoice; pray; give thanks. 1 Thess. 5:17

Ask your brethren for help (this may be hard when brethren don’t appear interested in helping).

Give up man-made solutions to your problems. 1 Pet. 3:10-12

Be patient with your family and God. Gal. 6:9

Improving Your Family Situation Things brethren can do. Pray for your brethren in difficult situations. Be a good listening ear or crying shoulder. Help when asked. Gal. 6:10

Things brethren can do.

Pray for your brethren in difficult situations.

Be a good listening ear or crying shoulder.

Help when asked. Gal. 6:10

Improving Your Family Situation Things only the Lord can do. Isa. 55:8-9 God’s ways are higher than yours. cp. Gen. 15:1-4; 17:15-19; Gal. 4:27-31 God’s timing may be different than yours. Cp. Gen. 50:15-20 Grow in your trust in Him for things to turn out. Rom. 8:28 God will give the increase. Cp. 1 Cor. 3:6-7

Things only the Lord can do. Isa. 55:8-9

God’s ways are higher than yours. cp. Gen. 15:1-4; 17:15-19; Gal. 4:27-31

God’s timing may be different than yours. Cp. Gen. 50:15-20

Grow in your trust in Him for things to turn out. Rom. 8:28

God will give the increase. Cp. 1 Cor. 3:6-7

Conclusion The family struggles that numerous Christians go through – if we knew the details and emotions involved – would be gut wrenching. We need to be able to share in each others’ burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ – for the sake of having as many biblically blessed families as possible. In the end, all things work for good – even families with various difficulties – through the lives of those who love Him.

The family struggles that numerous Christians go through – if we knew the details and emotions involved – would be gut wrenching.

We need to be able to share in each others’ burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ – for the sake of having as many biblically blessed families as possible.

In the end, all things work for good – even families with various difficulties – through the lives of those who love Him.