Topic: When your family doesn’t understand you [Jentezen Franklin Ministry Devotional 31 OCTOBER 2020]

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When your family doesn’t understand you

“The person who obeys God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” Mk 3:35 TM

The Bible says: “[Jesus] was surrounded by the crowd when he was given the message, ‘Your mother and brothers and sisters are outside looking for you.’ Jesus responded, ‘Who do you think are my mother and brothers?’ Looking around, taking in everyone seated around him, he said, ‘Right here, right in front of you—my mother and my brothers. Obedience is thicker than blood. The person who obeys God’s will is my brother and sister and mother’” (vv. 31-35 TM). One of your greatest tests of faith will be family members who don’t understand you or share your values and vision. And it calls for wisdom and grace on your part. Despite His family’s inability to understand Him, Jesus continued to care for them and respect them. However, He refused to let them dictate to Him or alter the assignment He believed God had given Him. His priority was the people who had gathered to hear what He had to say. Are you feeling misunderstood and rejected by your family today? Then pray this prayer: “Father, help me to live as Jesus lived; facing head-on those who misunderstand me, hearing their words and feeling the sting of their accusations, yet learning to live above them. Help me to be gracious toward the one whose life is being consumed by resentment and crippled by fear. Bring me full circle to a place of peace, so that no matter who may misunderstand me, I’m able to go on like Jesus went on—all the way to the cross, the resurrection, and the prize. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen.”