Topic: HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR INLAWS(2)  By Pastor Faith Oyedepo Living Faith Church [ Winners Chapel] 11 January 2022

Click HERE for Previous MESSAGES by Pastor Faith Oyedepo

HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR INLAWS(2)

Dear Reader,

I thank God for another privilege to bring His Word your way again. I see God enriching your marriage life in Jesus name! The last time, I focused on how to set priorities in relating with your in-laws. Today, I want to point out some vital keys on how to relate with your in-laws.

• Love: Someone once said, ‘You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving’. Learn to practice the love of God by giving to your in-laws. Giving should not just be physical things; it should also include your time, energy, intellect and occasionally, visit them. This may worth more to them than sending all the letters and messages you can. Love is a vital force for growth and successful relationship. Walking in the love of God makes it possible to relate successfully with all categories of men, including your in-laws, both the loveable and the unlovable. However, that love is made possible by the help of the Holy Spirit. The Bible says, And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly (Romans 5:5-6).
• Acceptance: Acceptance means reception. Accepting your in-laws as members of your household is very important. Many times, we see our in-laws as members of our household, but we refuse to accept them. Seeing your in-laws as outsiders trying to intrude into your affairs will not help, so accept and care for them. Although there is a limit to how far they should be involved in your family affairs, and that does not mean they should be chased away. Ruth is a very good example of the acceptance I am talking about. The Word says, And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me(Ruth 1:16-17). Some wives, not excluding husbands, are already frowning their faces at the mention of their in-laws visiting them. With the key of acceptance, Naomi became a member of Ruth’s family. Are you a daughter-in-law, son-in-law, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, father-in-law or mother-in-law? You need to learn from the story of Ruth. By this singular act, she became a reference point in the lineage of our Lord Jesus Christ.
• Hospitality: Hospitality is friendly and welcoming behaviour towards guests. It also involves the food, drinks and other privileges provided for such guests. It is what makes you want to share what you have with others. You must show hospitality to your in-laws. Hospitality has great benefits, and brotherly love should be the reason for reaching out to others. The Bible says, Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality (Romans 12:10, 13).
  Brotherly love can find expression through giving. It could be a cup of water, a meal, money, a warm smile, a listening ear or whatever is within your power to give. Do not eat all your food and drink all your water alone. Remember that the liberal soul shall be made fat (Proverbs 11:25). You must be sold out to hospitality; it is the path to God’s presence in your marriage and home. You can make it a point of duty to bring great joy and consolation to members of the household of faith.

For instance, in the early days of our ministry, my husband and I had to share our home and toilet facilities with the whole church. We did it then without grumbling or complaining, knowing that it was just a phase. I believe that was one of the reasons God blessed us with a larger place. We learnt early that a friendly and open home is commanded by God. In our home, we are given to hospitality, and we enjoy it. In actual fact, it is our watchword! Genuine and sincere hospitality brings with it great rewards. You will not miss your reward!

Also Read: Open Heaven 11 January 2022  –Topic: THE BLESSINGS OF COMMITMENT 

However, you need to be connected to the God of love so you can dwell in love. If you want to be born again,please pray this prayer with faith in your heart: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner; forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God, and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.