Blog
“Love Has No Bounds: Love Your In-laws”
Categories: Christian AttidtudesBy Seldon Smith
In a world where relationships between Americans, neighbors, and friends often face strain and division, it’s more important than ever to nurture and cherish the bonds we share with our families. This includes not just our immediate family, but also our in-laws, especially those who walk alongside us in faith. As members of the church, we are called to a higher standard of love and unity.
Let’s take a moment to reflect on the importance of loving our in-laws, fostering harmony, and strengthening the ties that bind us together as one community in Christ. Here's why embracing our in-laws with open hearts and minds can make a profound difference in our lives and the lives of those around us.
The Bible emphasizes love, respect, and kindness towards others, including family members and fellow believers. Here are some scriptural references that address these principles:
- Love and Kindness:
- Matthew 22:39: "And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’" This commandment extends to all relationships, including in-laws.
- Ephesians 4:32: "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." This verse encourages kindness and forgiveness, essential for harmonious relationships.
- Respect and Honor:
- Exodus 20:12: "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you." While this commandment is directed at one's own parents, the principle of honoring and respecting family members can be extended to in-laws.
- Romans 12:10: "Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." This verse encourages mutual respect and honor within the Christian community.
- Unity and Peace:
- Romans 12:18: "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." This verse calls for making every effort to maintain peace in relationships.
- Colossians 3:12-15: "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."
- Avoiding Hatred and Malice:
- 1 John 4:20-21: "Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister."
- Ephesians 4:31: "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice."
- Reconciliation and Forgiveness:
- Matthew 18:21-22: "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'"
- Matthew 5:23-24: "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift."
These scriptures collectively encourage believers to treat their in-laws and all members of the church with love, respect, kindness, and forgiveness, striving for peace and unity in all relationships.
