Family MattersSample

What is one word you would use to describe your family? You might think of “crazy,” “energetic,” or “fun", but did the word “peaceful” come to mind? Chances are, it probably wasn’t the first word you thought of. It’s hard to bring peace in the middle of family situations. Your family is the group of people you are the most comfortable around. It’s the people you spend more time with than anyone else in your life. When we let our guard down around our family, it often causes us to act in hurtful or disrespectful ways, even if that isn’t our initial motivation. 

In the book of Romans, we are given perfect instructions on how to bring peace. It says, “as far as it is up to you, live at peace with everyone.” Read the first part of that sentence again. “As far as it is up to you….” Sometimes when we fight with our family, we think, “It’s not my fault. They started it. I was defending myself.” But, this verse tells us we have no excuse for our actions. As far as we possibly can, as much as it’s within our strength and power, we need to live at peace with those around us. Are you a peacemaker in your family, or do you stir up trouble and cause fights? Chances are, choosing to bring peace in all situations will make a significant impact on every relationship in life but especially within your family. 

Challenge: Today, as far as it is up to you, choose peace! You can be a peacemaker in lots of ways, like letting your siblings go before you, offering to help out with an extra chore, letting someone borrow something of yours, or responding with kindness in the face of an argument. Notice the difference it makes in your family when you choose to be a peacemaker today.