Outlaw vs. Inlaw

By Gloria Lundstrom
If these problems exist in your family, pray and ask God to forgive you. Then go back to your relatives and ask them to forgive you. Bitterness, resentment and stubbornness never "win" an argument. Loving, giving and forgiving allow God to mend the rips and tears in the family establishment.
"Outlaw" vs. "Inlaw"

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

Here are a few practical tips for developing good relationships with your in-laws:

A. Love them, but don't live with them. Unless you have absolutely no other alternative, refrain from moving in or living with relatives. This will save you "in-house in-law problems." Your marriage needs to be independent. If your problems become in-laws' problems, you in-laws will soon become your problem! Remember, leave and cleave to your mate; that advice is from God's Word. You're better to live with little in a little house with just the two of you than to live in a big house with lots of people and no privacy or intimacy.


B. Don't expect your in-laws to be free babysitters or a drop-off service. Many grandparents and relatives would love to have your children visit and spend time with them, but don't take advantage of a good thing and overdo it. It may begin to cause hard feelings. Your parents have already raised their children; don't depend on them to raise yours, too.


C. Be aware of potential jealousy. I've witnessed so many families who are always feuding out of jealousy. Don't get involved in the comparison game of "keeping up with the relatives." Be wise. Don't allow things to destroy your family ties and togetherness. I've met families who haven't associated with one another for years because of some misunderstanding over money, possessions or thoughtless words.



If these problems exist in your family, pray and ask God to forgive you. Then go back to your relatives and ask them to forgive you. Bitterness, resentment and stubbornness never "win" an argument. Loving, giving and forgiving allow God to mend the rips and tears in the family establishment. Pray with me about this:


Father in heaven, I praise You for being faithful to me, for always being at my side when I need You. I'm bringing my in-law problems to You now, Lord, asking You first of all to forgive me for the bitterness I've harbored against them. I don't want to have hard feelings and resentment in my heart. Please cleanse my heart. Where I hurt from words or actions, heal me so that I can be free to love and be loved. Replace jealousy with contentment. I choose to be a peacemaker within my family, Lord. Please guard my mouth and fill me with Your holy presence. Help me to talk, act and respond in love. Lord, please bless my father and mother and my father- and mother-in-law. Thank You for placing me in this family. Help me to appreciate the family and to allow it to teach me and build my character; and in turn, Lord, help me to be an example of love and encouragement to the family. In Jesus' name, Amen.

 

- Gloria


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