CARING RELATIONS COUNT.

‘We can choose our friends, but our relations are thrust upon us.’ Whilst this may be true, as someone has said, yet it is also spot on, that these relationships are important in our life. Therefore they bring a challenge to the Christian.

If you are an aunty, you have a tremendous opportunity of exercising a ministry to your nephews and nieces. They look forward to that birthday card, or even a small gift at Christmas. A child feels happy, being approved and loved when a kind and loving aunt or uncle is interested, expressing that love tangibly. I look back gratefully to several aunties, who always ‘remembered.’ I loved them all, but especially those who cared enough to show their niece that the relationship was really important to them. Now that our own children value relations, who are interested and care enough to say so, and show it.

Relationships within a family circle are not always easy, but when viewed through God’s eyes can be exciting and challenging, Personalities may clash along the highway of life, and feelings may cause friction. But the Christian has the resources of love and prayer. Jealousy may often cause relation-friction, so it is wise to look for a possible source.

Often a jealous person has been deprived of love or affection in his/her own family circle.

Here again, every expression of love and affection counts. An insecure person realises the care behind the kindly act, encouraging word, and may respond. However, it takes time. Rome was not built in a day, and relationships are not always easily changed but constant, regular love and thoughtfulness always bear fruit.

Some relations tend to keep to themselves, but the caring Christian shows genuine love by regular contact and concern.

Let’s get back to the old family re-unions and get-togethers. Make plans for relations to meet, so nurturing the family spirit, and invite family members to share with you. Many times the New Testament encourages the hospitality of the open home. When we show relations that we welcome them in or home, we promote family interaction.

We may hear ‘I just don’t like her’ or ‘/she just annoys me’ On hearing these comments, tenderly remind the speaker that God’s love has no boundaries. And pray for the one criticised no matter how difficult she may be. Searching for the cause of the reaction, we recognise that we lack a caring response to that person’s need of love. God reminds us that he so loved everybody that He willingly gave His Son as sacrifice, including the one so difficult to accept. We must examine our attitudes to close relatives.

Sometimes possessions strain associations. There are the prosperous and the moderates. Never make a person feel inferior, nor seek to outdo another’s possessions. Contentment is a prized virtue, as we consider God’s provision and blessings. Families have differing business abilities, and possessions may arouse tension. Be humble when prosperous and content in poverty, never envious or covetous, but loving and considerate at all times and in all circumstances.

Prayer is the greatest force in healing attitudes in our relations, for God has promised to do mighty things in answer to our request.

Let it be accompanied by warm and genuine affection, with a lively interest in their affairs, family events and anniversaries. Possibly, when in trouble, they will come to you, because you have shown the love of God in your compassionate care.

A young concerned couple recently went to an aunt and uncle for help, ‘ Because we know you love us by your real interest over the years.’ another said, ‘ You’ve always kept in touch with us, so we wanted you to be first to know of our engagement.’

Caring counts! Pray for all your relations regularly and expect God’s answer for their good and His glory. “Love one another as I have loved you, ’Jesus said.