`` leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift`` Matthew 5:24 When a man or woman finds their life partner, do they ever give consideration to who comes with them? For the example, often following a bride and groom are sister and brother-in laws, father-in laws and the mother-in law. The columnist Ann Landers was once quoted as saying that 80 per cent of the letters she receives pertaining to in-law problems are complaints against the mother-in-law. This is somewhat unfair as what loving person would stop mothering or fathering when a child leaves home? Probably, a little tension will exist as the parents try to continue to extend their influence on their `baby` and so there has to be a little give and take. In biblical times, the marriage partnership was different as discussion often occurred between the two families who were considering having their children united. The bride and groom were involved but not in a bridezilla way. They respect the culture, the community and the family way. Families had their differences but they got along. The biblical role model for a good mother-in-law was Naomi. Her daughter-in laws loved her dearly and even as family tragedy struck time and time again, she showed love for the daughter-in laws. One daughter-in-law, Ruth was eventually remarried because of Naomi’s effort and she is not only know as a good daughter-in-law but also as the great grandmother of Kind David and hence an ancestor of the messiah Jesus. God loves and seeks to bless our extended families. God does ask the married couple to leave their mother and father to be joined together, but He never said to abandon or ignore them. As with any relationship, we can chose how it plays out. Our attitude, behaviours and respectful posture can go a long way. I have heard in wedding speeches the words ``I am not losing a son or daughter, but gaining a new son or daughter``. The speaker should also list the names of the extended family that comes with the bride or groom. There was no doubt that love was a part of marriage during biblical times, but the families also realized that the union was about the betterment of the family unit and the community. Today we offer prayer for extended families – the in-laws. We pray for the betterment of our family community and ask God to bless them. We can love them as we love ourselves but if something has caused a separation, go speak with them and offer up your heart, and then thank our Father for this community. Don’t let family differences come between you and a blessing that God has planned for your life.
Posted on: Wed, 10 Jul 2013 11:49:43 +0000
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