Can you believe it’s December? We are days away until the new year of 2022. As I think about the holidays, family comes to mind and how we choose to grow in forgiveness and love is up to us as we approach a new year. We can be intentional in repairing broken relationships by resolving conflicts and disagreements. What we carry in our heart from day to day or year to year says more about us than our family members. It is factual that tomorrow isn’t promised to any of us and how we treat one another actually matters. Our LifeLoveMarriageDivorce journeys have most likely caused us to expand in relationships outside of our immediate family. Our extended, work, school, church and neighborhood/community families have become important relationships in our lives and as in most families our humanness can sometimes create discord and disruptions within our familial bonds. However, with God all things are possible which means reconciliation with anyone in our family groups is possible, especially if we live by 1 Corinthians 13:4-8,”Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails…”
The same love and respect we desire for ourselves should be shared and given to others, especially towards our family members. Therefore, take the necessary steps to resolve any lingering conflicts and forgive because it’s the right thing to do. Remember forgiveness is for your heart to be free from the contamination of hatred, anger and frustration towards others. Your peace of mind in knowing that you are living a 1 Corinthians 13 life isn’t supposed to be about if someone accepts your olive branch extension of love & kindness, it’s about loving the way God expects you to love and allowing Him to do the rest. The Lord is the creator of love and He knows exactly what the power of love can do. If you are saying…why do I always have to be the bigger person…remember God’s love isn’t small, it requires those who love Him to do big things in order for Him to do even bigger things. Therefore, humbly submit to God’s will and make an intentional effort to communicate in love & forgiveness with any family members you’re holding a grudge against before the year ends. Life is precious, time is limited, peace of mind is everything and love never fails. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you & your family!
Until the Next Blog,
Blessings & Love