“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” – Romans 14:19
Angela had insisted on family dinners since her kids were small. The meals they ate weren’t fancy, and their tiny dining room wasn’t one you’d see featured in a magazine. But there had always been lots of love around the table.
As the kids became teenagers, Angela noticed a shift in their attitudes. Now, dinner together was becoming less about spending time together and more about bickering. The kids fought over who had to do chores and made mocking jokes about each other.
Finally, Angela decided to create a new rule. “We gather in peace. If you have an issue to discuss with your siblings, that’s fine. But we’re not here to bicker. We’re family, and our goal is to encourage and strengthen each other.”
Even loving families have their disagreements. But disagreement doesn’t have to turn into a shouting match or a bickering fest. You can discuss important topics with kind attitudes and remain peaceful.
Lord, please help me with my family. We struggle to be kind and loving toward each other sometimes. Show me how to be an example of peace and unity. In Jesus’ name, Amen.