If you are having trouble getting along with a family member, you’ll find lots of support to build a boundary instead of a bridge, to protect yourself from disagreements instead of working through them. It's a sign of the selfish values promoted in modern culture.
Modern culture often promotes conflict avoidance, not conflict resolution. Cutting people off is easier than learning to live with them peaceably. It's easier to assume that we're mostly right and the other person is mostly wrong.
But we can't honor God while refusing to reconcile with friends and family members because God places a priority on reconciliation:
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” Matthew 5:23-24
This is similar to Paul's warning against participating in communion in an “unworthy manner” (1 Corinthians 11:27-29). We can't maintain a healthy relationship with the Lord if we're unwilling to do our best to get along with others.
Scripture commands us to consider the concerns of others, return good for evil, and wholeheartedly seek peace (Philippians 2:3-4; Romans 12:3-21). When we refuse, we make our lives easier, but our hearts grow hard.
Satan wants to kill, steal from, and destroy our relationships (John 10:10). Let's refuse to let him do this.
Please avoid Boundaries teachings. If you want to find out why, see the Bible Love Notes Are Boundaries Biblical? Collection. I also recommend 8 Narcissist Problems and The Growing Problem of Narcissism.
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June Prayer Days 2-4: Pray for relationships between Christians and gay friends and family members. Pray that Christians would be sensitive and gracious (Colossians 4:6) but unashamed of God's loving commands (Romans 1:16).
I encourage you to check out the Wisdom for Life Devotional. It's a beautiful hardcover book that costs less than most paperbacks.
It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word.
Read the story behind Wisdom for Life HERE. And find out about the two free Bible studies with purchase HERE.
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