Maintaining family relationships – physical or spiritual – is difficult. Humans are very complicated and we are very different. Maintaining relationships requires a lot of patience, kindness, respect and forgiveness. Because of this, some people choose to separate from the relationship rather than do the work necessary and endure the hurt they may feel.
Being so different and complicated, it is difficult for us to understand the actions or words of one another. I am sure that I do things that others (even my wife) do not understand. In fact, sometimes, I do not understand why I do what I do. For example, looking back, I know that I made wrong decisions and did things because of an inferiority complex. I am not perfect, and my words and actions are not perfect, so I need a lot of patience and kindness. For any of us to think we are perfect and without error would be a mistake! “If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man.” (James 3:2) If you give me hostile criticism or attack me because of my actions, it may be harmful to our relationship. It is love, kindness and respect that will lead me to try to correct my words and actions. I guess this is why the Apostle Paul wrote “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” (Eph. 4:31-32)
When our nation and politicians are so extremely divided, as families, we must work on showing kindness and respect to one another. Too often, the least of kindness and respect is shown to family members. It has been said that respect must be earned. While there may be a grain of truth in this statement, it is also true that every human being is made in God’s image and deserves respect and kindness. We never know or understand the circumstance in another’s life or the baggage they carry that leads them to be different. We must strive to show respect to everyone, regardless of how different – regardless of lifestyle, religion, race, age, politics, sex, vaccinated or not!!!! We do not have to agree with people to show them kindness and respect.