“An understanding person demonstrates patience, for mercy means holding your tongue. When you are insulted, be quick to forgive and forget it, for you are virtuous when you overlook an offense.”
Proverbs 19:11 TPT
One of the greatest challenges in spending time with loved ones is avoiding offence. When you spend time together, people tend to relax to a point where things are said and done so carelessly that in the end what was meant to be precious moments of laughter and joy can easily and quickly turn into ugly arguments and in some cases physical fights. That’s how the enemy functions. He doesn’t throw a big party celebrating the unity and joy loved one’s share. So, he will use every word that is spoken out of term to cause divisions and hatred within the family. He will make sure that what started as a gathering of love ends up with people not talking to each other for decades because of offense.
So, as you spend time with loved ones, be careful of your words and actions. You already know which buttons spark fires in your family. So, avoid those buttons, wake up early each day and spend time with the Lord praying over the day and declaring peace, joy and harmony within the family. If you find that someone has been offended by your simple joke or comment, be quick to apologize and make peace before things get out of hand. Do not try to justify your joke, action or comment. Be quick to choose peace over animosity.
Be the ambassador of love and joy in your home and gatherings. Be like Christ and walk in humility always. When you are the one under attack, especially for your faith, walk away from the discussions peacefully and keep your cool. Don’t try to defend your stance for the gospel or faith in Christ. Just quietly separate yourself and go spend time with the Lord. He will do the correction and defending. Be wise, be patient, be humble, be gentle, be kind and do not allow offense to take root in your heart. Glory to God!
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Help me to quickly recognize the enemy’s traps to cause offence between me and my loved ones. Give me the grace to walk away peacefully from any accusation so that I may not lose my composure under pressure. May kindness, patience, humility and love reign among us during the time we spend together as family. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ amen.
Good morning and have a glory filled day.
