10 Steps to Unity in Your Blended FamilyНамуна

Step 2: Walk in forgiveness and freedom.

Can you think of anything from your past marriage or relationships that you might have carried into your new marriage and blended family? Bringing in old baggage can happen, especially when you are beginning to blend. It can even occur later in marriage if we allow it. Our willingness to seek healing and forgiveness for past grievances can help us live in freedom and bring blessings to our marriage and blended family.

The scars of past relationships are real and can be heavy, and unresolved anger and resentment are common. However, these are detrimental to any relationship and have no place in a marriage and family. Those negative emotions are fueled by tactics and tools from the enemy. He will use them in our relationships with others–especially our spouse and blended family– to hurt those we love most. Think of unforgiveness as a poison you drink, hoping to harm someone else!

So how do we break this deadly cycle? We can seek a resolution for that pain by repenting before God and asking for forgiveness. These are two positive steps toward healing and freedom, but they are not always easy. Seeking biblical counseling or special classes at your local church are also great ways to pursue healing and freedom. Just as importantly, we can release ourselves from past mistakes. Scripture reminds us that when we confess and seek repentance, God is faithful to forgive and cleanse us (1 John 1:9). Embracing this truth allows us to live a life of grace, mercy, and freedom.

Where in your life do you need freedom? What old baggage have you been carrying? It’s time to lay it down.

Prayer: Thank You for Your healing power and redemption in our lives. We ask for Your supernatural healing to take root in our hearts. Remove any pain, anger, or frustration from past hurts. We ask for forgiveness and repent of any bitterness we have held onto from those who have hurt us. Forgive us for the wrongs we have committed in anger, and help us seek forgiveness from others we have hurt. Give us the grace to forgive others and experience freedom, and let us be an example of Your love. Amen.