Take time to make your family a priority. Spending time with family is so important, and if done in obedience to the Lord can uplift your spirit and rejuvenate your life. Your family can be your immediate family, and your extended family as well. It can also be the ones in your life who are loyal to you and love you no matter what you may be going through. The Bible says; “there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24).
Your true friends and family are the people who will come to your aid when you need it, extend a helping hand, and give unconditional love to you. Family and friends shouldn’t be a burden, but a blessing. If there are those in your life who are draining you, then it might be time to distance yourself. You can still love them, but give room to live your life according to God’s will, and to have a chance at true happiness. The Bible says; “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law” (Romans 13:8).
This means all that God requires is that we love our fellow-man. If you have wronged someone or taken from them what is not yours, then you should make it right.When you do this you can go throughout your life without guilt, without owing a debt, and without looking over your shoulder. If someone has wronged you although you may never get them to apologize, you should forgive them. When you walk out your life in integrity; being quick to forgive and quick to apologize for wrongdoing, you are freeing yourself to go forward and live your life in liberty.
Positive relationships are important in life; and if they are maintained in purity and integrity they have the opportunity to flourish and grow. If they are handled in dishonesty, they will begin to wither and eventually die out. You are not responsible for the actions of someone else. However you are responsible for yours. The Bible says; “You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:5). You may see clearly the wrong in those around you, but have you first taken the time to look at the wrong inside yourself? Self- evaluation is an important part of the Christian walk.
As you evaluate your own life, you should also evaluate the relationships in your life. Are they positive, fruitful, and balanced? Often times people have relationships in their lives that place burdens on them. It doesn’t have to be this way. Allow the Lord to lead you in all your relationships, and allow Him to speak to your heart the guidelines for each association; family, friend, or otherwise. This way you will have liberty and know that all of your dealings and friendships are pleasing in His sight, and your time with family and friends will be a blessing rather than a draining and difficult experience.
Place your relationships in God’s hands. Pray for the people in your life when God leads you, extend kindness to them when He asks you; but give Him the burden of taking care of your loved ones. As much as you love these individuals, God loves them even more. The Bible says; “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). Jesus doesn’t want you carrying heavy loads in your life, He desires for you to place it in His hands.
There is a story in the Bible where Jesus was getting ready to speak and minister to a crowd of people. Someone came to Jesus and told Him that His family was there to see Him. He responded by saying; “For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother” (Matthew 12:50). What the Lord meant by this was that those who love God and do His will are His family.
Those who love you with a pure heart are your true friends and family. These individuals may be your birth relatives, adopted family, or close friends that have been there for you. If you do not have anyone like this in your life it is okay because Jesus loves you more than you could ever imagine. “For my father and my mother have forsaken me, But the LORD will take me up” (Psalm 27:10). When you have no one else to turn to in life, Jesus is there.
We encourage you today to allow the Lord to speak to your heart and guide you in all your relationships. The Lord loves you and He is there to carry your burdens and to help you in every area of your life. You can start by praying this prayer to Him;
Dear Lord Jesus,
I ask that You would forgive me of my sins and wash me clean with Your blood. I welcome You into my heart and into my life. I thank You for being my Savior, and I pray that You would lead me in my relationships. Show me the people who are not supposed to be in my life, and those who are. I repent over any person I have wronged, and I forgive those who have wronged me. If there is anyone I need to apologize to or make amends with, please show me and I will obey Your voice in this. I seek You for answers this day.
In Jesus Name I Pray,
Amen
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