“Family Tree Rot”

Thursday, December 08, 2016

I'm not sure what started it, but I have a huge family of twelve aunts and uncles with twenty-six of us grandchildren and even great-grandchildren, to boot.  The only existing grandmother all of us have from this side of the family is eighty-five and was living with my uncle, but his wife and my grandmother came to a verbal shootout a few weeks ago, and now half of the family is divided between Granny and my uncle.  It's becoming really petty and hateful.  Is there a Bible verse that can sum up what everyone should realize, so they will just stop being hateful to each other?

Sincerely,
Out On A Limb

Dear Out On A Limb,

Family disputes are always difficult.  Here are some verses to remember and share with others:

1. God tells us that we are blessed if we are peacemakers (Matt 5:9).
2. When we sow peace in our lives, we get righteousness and peace back (Jas 3:18).
3. Christ tells us to be at peace with others “as much as it depends on us” (Rom 12:18).
4. Peace with others doesn’t come naturally; it must be pursued.  Peace takes work (Heb 12:14).
5. The ‘golden rule’ is to “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Matt 7:12).
6. The whole Bible stands upon two commands.  “Love the Lord” and “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt 22:37-40).

Hopefully, some of these verses will help arm you to wage peace in your family.

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