Ready to Remarryনমুনা

Before Introducing Your Children

Suppose you're confident that it's time to remarry. At this point, you consider the person you're dating a potential spouse and have worked through all the red light issues. To prepare to introduce children into your relationship, realize these three things about building new relationships.

First, the Bible says we have the power to build relationships by the words that we speak. In Proverbs 18, the Bible says death and life are in the power of the tongue. Words can either build or destroy relationships. Second, the Bible also says we can build relationships based on actions. In Ephesians 4, the Bible says we must be kind to one another, compassionate, and forgiving. Speaking positive words, being kind, understanding, and forgiving contribute to building relationships.

Finally, loyalty conflicts will slow the relationship-building process. Children naturally feel loyalty to their biological parents. It's normal for them to feel a loyalty conflict between their birth parents and their new, potential stepparents. It's wise to avoid situations that place any children in a loyalty conflict.

Suggestions

To prepare to successfully introduce your children to each other, discuss the following.

1. Do you see any situations ahead that could cause loyalty conflicts? How will you avoid them? How will you deal with loyalty conflicts that emerge?
2. Do you have a plan to introduce your children to your potential spouse? If not, the ninth day of this devotional gives you a step-by-step plan.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for being with us through this process. God, I ask you to continue to speak to me. Help me to love how you love. Jesus, help me be more like you and less like my flesh. I ask for good fruit, patience, kindness, love, and forgiveness. I ask for your wisdom and guidance. Jesus, show me where I can help and where I need to give things to you. So many hearts are involved. God, I ask you for the words and when to say them. I ask you to know when to be silent and the restraint to do so. Help me follow your heart and how you have loved me so I will reflect your love to all around me. In Jesus' name, amen.