Family life together should be times of love and joy. Conflict can rob a family of the atmosphere of love and acceptance. When that happens, remember it can be restored. With God's help and open, honest discussion, conflicts can be resolved. Never forget, it is God's will for every family to experience such an atmosphere of support (Galatians 5:22-23). Families must identify the problems and openly discuss them, as they seek God's help.
Jealousy can rob a family of peace and joy. Jealousy is a response to feelings of being treated unfairly, or not having one's needs met, while others in the family receive what they need. Jealousy should be identified. The issues must be discussed. Prayer should be offered to God for help and healing.
Unforgiveness can rob a family of peace and joy. The entire family is affected by the unforgiving member. Bitterness and anger are contagious. Forgiveness is a choice that honors the will of God and the welfare of all concerned. The family member who refuses to forgive, hurts himself more than anyone else.
Grief can rob a family of joy and peace. The death of a loved one, or any kind of loss, causes us to grieve. It could be a divorce, loss of a job, circumstances forcing a move in residence, or many other situations. This is a normal human response to loss. Families grieve in times like these. Family members should be able to find support and encouragement from one another. There is hope for the joy to return after the grief has been accepted, processed through discussion and healed.
The core problem in family turmoil is often selfishness. When one member of the family must have his or her way all the time, trouble is inevitable. Resentfulness is the result. Often, family members placate such a person and pretend that nothing is wrong. A family which refuses to discuss obvious issues becomes dysfunctional. When the only goal is to avoid conflict at any cost, the resentfulness fosters bitterness, frustration and displaced anger. Silence enables the selfish person to control the situation. The silent conflict never goes away. This codependent behavior impacts every member of the family.
Conflict resolution requires identification of the real problem rather than peripheral issues. Someone must initiate dialogue with the family members involved. This should usually be one of the parents, often the husband and father. The problem is discussed seeking understanding in a normal tone of speech with love and concern. If a resolution cannot be reached, other options must be considered.
Manipulative behavior should be identified, such as pouting, screaming, prolonged silence and refusal to talk, or threats to act in such ways that will be hurtful to other family members. These are all power plays to control others rather than to talk and resolve real issues.
"The family that prays together stays together." Most of us have heard these words. As family members pray with one another, simply ask for God's help. God's grace is witnessed in family living through love, joy and peace. Some families have tried everything but praying together. We have nothing to lose when we pray together and much to gain, from the One who loves us unconditionally.
Jealousy can rob a family of peace and joy. Jealousy is a response to feelings of being treated unfairly, or not having one's needs met, while others in the family receive what they need. Jealousy should be identified. The issues must be discussed. Prayer should be offered to God for help and healing.
Unforgiveness can rob a family of peace and joy. The entire family is affected by the unforgiving member. Bitterness and anger are contagious. Forgiveness is a choice that honors the will of God and the welfare of all concerned. The family member who refuses to forgive, hurts himself more than anyone else.
Grief can rob a family of joy and peace. The death of a loved one, or any kind of loss, causes us to grieve. It could be a divorce, loss of a job, circumstances forcing a move in residence, or many other situations. This is a normal human response to loss. Families grieve in times like these. Family members should be able to find support and encouragement from one another. There is hope for the joy to return after the grief has been accepted, processed through discussion and healed.
The core problem in family turmoil is often selfishness. When one member of the family must have his or her way all the time, trouble is inevitable. Resentfulness is the result. Often, family members placate such a person and pretend that nothing is wrong. A family which refuses to discuss obvious issues becomes dysfunctional. When the only goal is to avoid conflict at any cost, the resentfulness fosters bitterness, frustration and displaced anger. Silence enables the selfish person to control the situation. The silent conflict never goes away. This codependent behavior impacts every member of the family.
Conflict resolution requires identification of the real problem rather than peripheral issues. Someone must initiate dialogue with the family members involved. This should usually be one of the parents, often the husband and father. The problem is discussed seeking understanding in a normal tone of speech with love and concern. If a resolution cannot be reached, other options must be considered.
Manipulative behavior should be identified, such as pouting, screaming, prolonged silence and refusal to talk, or threats to act in such ways that will be hurtful to other family members. These are all power plays to control others rather than to talk and resolve real issues.
"The family that prays together stays together." Most of us have heard these words. As family members pray with one another, simply ask for God's help. God's grace is witnessed in family living through love, joy and peace. Some families have tried everything but praying together. We have nothing to lose when we pray together and much to gain, from the One who loves us unconditionally.
