Hope for a Family
Scripture Reading — James 1:19-27
Human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
—James 1:20
Many years ago, Randy’s son Joe married a girl named Brandi. Happily, Randy and his wife are able to participate in life with their children—events like Christmas dinners and visits with their grandchildren.
But those opportunities might not have happened, because Brandi was not a Christian when they married and she had a child by a previous relationship. While Joe and Brandi were dating, Randy’s approach toward them involved a lot of yelling.
Randy’s own father had been a nuclear-blast kind of man, and Randy had often been scorched. For most of Randy’s adult life, he and his father rarely spoke to each other. After months of work with a counselor, Randy told me, “I don’t want to be like my dad. I want life to be different for my family.” We decided that if Randy were to have a relationship with Joe and Brandi, there would need to be a context of love, not war.
It’s possible to be a Christian with firm beliefs without scorching people with your convictions. We all deal with issues. Pray and work to sort those out. Choose to live your faith with warmth, spiritual power, and love.
To this day, Brandi has not yet become a Christian. But at least Randy makes a positive witness in her life. Randy’s family has a happier future. So can yours!
Father, bless our loved ones. Give us wisdom in how to speak with them. Help us carry our burdens, and make us instruments of your love. Amen.
About the author — Keith Mannes
Keith Mannes serves as pastor at Highland Christian Reformed Church in McBain, Michigan. Keith and his wife, Alicia, recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary,
and they are thankful for their three children—Eben, Charis, and Breanna.
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