Mark 1:29-31; Ruth 1:1-18
We get a look at two different families today--they lived at different times, they had different problems and circumstances. Yet, each situation gives us insight into the way families operate.
So what do these passages show us about the importance of the family as a support system? What about our individual relationships and responsibilities to both immediate and extended family members? Tami W.
I know joy through serving God but knowing my family is not close to God is painful. The struggle is overpowering at times. They used to call it a disfunctional family. Only love can conquer that, through Jesus, as He did for Peter and Naomi. I pray for all your families to have a blessed Christ centered Christmas.
Families are extremely important. We are often too quick to jettison those relationships which God has put into our lives. Ruth couldn't have possibly known how sticking with Naomi would ultimately prove to be a tremendous blessing for her. But God knew!
God is teaching us that family is important and that we must treat our family as important and give God thanks for each person in our family. It is the responsibility of the patriach and the matriarch to, with God's guidance lead our family. We must share God's Word and live the Word so that our children, grandchildren and all other family members and friends can see that we walk in the path God has chosen for us. When guide our family and they see God's light shining through us they would also like to be like that. It is never too late and we can still seek God's guidance and leading if we pray without ceasing for our families and friends, even people we do not know. May God continue to bless us richly.
Unlike Ruth, I can't imagine wanting to follow with my mother-in-law anywhere. Lord, help me remember that you put her in my life for a reason. Help me to be more patient, tolerant, and loyal. Help me to remember that without her, I wouldn't have my husband or my children. Thank you for the reminder from your Word of the opportunities I have to show your love to those close to me.
So if we are to be a family with our church body and our own blood family does not believe the same way, who is our priority to be in terms of sustaining relationships and supporting. My own opinion is that the people in my church should become my family but I must continue to work out how to honour my parents. Family ties can be painful and fraught with bad feelings and miscommunication especially if they are non-believers. Love to hear some ideas on this.