MEMORY VERSE: “And Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, and did obeisance, and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare; and they came into the tent.”Exodus 18:7.
BIBLE PASSAGE: Ruth 1:16-18.
INTRODUCTION
Christian couples are expected to live according to the dictates of God’s word. The Bible tells us that a man should leave his parents and cleave to his wife Genesis 2:24. This shows that a line must be drawn between the families from which both partners originated from and the new family the couple is building. The Bible also admonishes us to honour our parents Ephesians 6:2-3 and be good to all men especially members of our household including our in-laws we have in our family relationships. Our in-laws are people related to us by marriage and we should relate with them with godly wisdom James 3:17.
OUTLINE
1.BUILDING A CORDIAL RELATIONSHIP
2. THE THIN LINE
1.BUILDING A CORDIAL RELATIONSHIP
Let us learn from Ruth’s relationship with her mother in-law. Ruth treated Naomi as she would have treated her own biological mother. We must treat our in-laws like our own blood relations. When relating with our in-laws, christian couples should therefore:
- Avoid preconceptions: Do not have a biased perspective against your in-laws. Be open-minded in your dealings with them Romans 12:10, 16;1 Peter 3:8.
- Do not act like strangers: let your in-laws see you as another child of theirs and not a stranger Exodus 18:7-9; Proverbs 18:24.
- Avoid instituting damaging rules: Make sure you do not make rules that can destroy your relationship with your in-laws 1 Timothy 5:1-2; Judges 14:11-13, 18-20. Be wise in all decisions relating to your in-laws especially in speech Psalm 34:13; Colossians 4:6.
- Avoid strife: Treat in-laws as important people exhibit maturity and patience with your in-laws Philippians 2:3; 2 Corinthians 6:4.
- Remain humble in mutual submission: 1 Peter 5:5; Ephesians 5:21. Always walk in peace and pursue it Psalm 34:14; Romans 12:18.
2. THE THIN LINE
While it is important to establish a cordial relationship with in-laws, it is equally important that in-laws give some breathing space to their married sons or daughters to build a godly home with no undue external interference Colossians 3:21; Matthew 19:4-6. In- laws especially parents of the couples can give counsel or advice Exodus 18:19-24; Proverbs 11:14 and prayerfully support their children in marriage without necessarily imposing their views on them Ephesians 6:4. The married couple should be allowed to make their own decisions and their own mistakes.
CONCLUSION
Christian couples must relate cordially with their in-laws in love, peace, as light and as salt of the world Matthew 5:13-14, be at peace and always remain humble Hebrews 12:14.
FURTHER READINGS
SUN: Ephesians 5:25-33
MON:Matthew 5:14
TUE: Luke 5:13
WED: Romans 12:18
THUR: Hebrews 12:14
FRI: Philippians 2:15
SAT:1 Timothy 5:13