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NASB | Matthew 5:44 "But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 5:44 "But I say to you, love [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for] your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [Prov 25:21, 22] |
Bible Question:
What should I do with my in-laws? They don't like me. Preferred my husband to marry ex-girl of 10 years. They had a dysfuntional relationship. Emotional and verbal abuse. They stayed together because of a child they shared for over 6 years. Ex had other relationships. They had an on and off relationship the entire time. Ex is very possessive and spoiled. Very materialistic and a trouble-maker and a big liar since he's known her. In-law like her but doesn't agree with all of her ways but still interacts with her because they are scared that she will stop them from seeing the child. Ex uses child as a pon to get what she wants. Seems like miserable family, none of them have a good relationship with a man. Husband is the only boy and 2 sister. My father-in-law doesn't interact with the women of the family because he doesn't agree with what goes on. I have a child with my husband now and ex won't allow him to bring her when he goes to drop off his other child. Ex and in-laws are in cahoots agains me to make me not feel included. In-laws invites me and ex to family functions and talk about us when we don't show. Misery loves company. How do I deal with the in-laws? I am going to stop the in-laws from seeing my daughter that I share with their son. If they don't like me how can I trust them with my child. My husband has stopped talking to his family because of this and I hate to see that happen. Family to me is very important but they have no cause not to like or accept me into their family. |
Bible Answer: Best place to get answers is God's Word. Jesus said in Matthew 5:44, "But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you," I know this sounds simplistic considering the amount of "stuff" you have to deal with in these dysfunctional relationships but I can assure you, prayer works. You can not change another person's feelings or behaviors, but you can change the way that you respond t o them! From reading your family history, there is a lot of forgiveness that needs to be extended. Begin in your own heart. God commands us to love one another (not the things they do to us, etc), to forgive one another (even if they don't ask for it!) and pray for one another! You can't stay angry or mad at someone you bring before the Throne of Grace. Prayer will change you! I know, I speak from experience. It was VERY hard to confess my hatred and refusal to forgive those who didn't like me either, but the only person my anger was hurting was me. I was become more critical and bitter, certainly not a reflection of Jesus! Trusting in Him to work out the details, I got rid of those things and guess what happened? I was able to love them with a supernatural kind of love, forgiving them for things they didn't even know were hurting me, and I was able to behave and respond to them, inspite of their treatment of me, in a Christlike manner. Look again at what you have asked, and the details you have given. SOme serious healing is needed. Ask for yourself first. "Love the Lord your God. . . . and others as you love yourself." Hope this helps! Mommapbs |