For some people having difficult family is a source of real struggle in life. But can I encourage you, I have never met anyone who doesn’t have some difficulty in their family somewhere. We even see this in the Bible.
The first wife took the first opportunity she could to rule over her husband, and that husband then just submitted to it passively. The result? The fall of the world and also something very personal, their first son murdered their second son.
Then there is the dishonour that Noah’s son Ham does to him, in uncovering his nakedness.
Then there is Abraham’s mess with a childless wife, a young slave woman and a regretful pregnancy that fractures their family.
Then there is Jacob’s family. Most of the second half of Genesis is spent dealing with the struggles of this one family. The fights between brothers. The clashes of the Jacob’s wives. The pain this causes all of them. If your brothers have not tried to sell you into slavery, because they hate that you are the family favourite, maybe things aren’t as bad as you imagine, right?
Then there is the mess of David’s family, many of the families in the book of judges, and so much more.
Be encouraged that if you have brokenness in your family, you are not the first, you are not the only one, and you are likely not the worst. Many people feel like failures because of the struggles in their families, but even good families aren’t perfect....
...I am the first to admit that I have not always applied these principles perfectly. We have had some wonderful family Christmas events, and some not so wonderful ones in past years. Some people are just so difficult nothing you do can make it peaceful. Remember in such cases you are free, you are under no obligation, no one is allowed to judge you for choosing not to go along with tradition on Christmas day, and instead just choosing to be away from the conflict.
Be free, and work hard to have fun, righteous and holy joy with your family this Christmas.
