Getting Along with the In-Laws
Welcome back! Today’s post will be a short one. In our series, 6 Characteristics of a Godly Husband, we’re focusing on families getting along.
Like last week, some may say, “Well, duh, our families should be friendly with one another.” That’s true, but I’m not only talking about being nice; I’m talking about being friends.
When my mom and dad got married, my Nanna (dad’s mom) and Grandma (mom’s mom) became more than mere acquaintances, they became family. My Nanna and Grandma didn’t ignore each other until both sides of the family were together for the holidays, they supported and helped each other in times of struggle. My Nanna and Grandma were friendly towards one another and cared about their extended family.
Consider Ruth and Naomi: Ruth stayed with her mother-in-law and took care of her even though Naomi wasn’t her mother by blood. Ruth left everything behind that was safe and comfortable, taking care of Naomi while Naomi took care of Ruth.
But, what if people from each family absolutely loathe each other?
If God put my future husband and I together and He wants us to be married, we’ll get married. Granted, my future husband and I need to pray and listen to God first. It is possible for families not getting along that a couple should step back and think about their choices, but God may be telling us through the discontentment of our families that the romantic relationship we’re in shouldn’t go any further.
Again, that is something to pray, ask, and listen to God about.
It’s an necessity that my future husband’s family and mine love one another. I’ve seen so many relationships fall apart because their friends and family never gave them a chance.
I want my family to be a family. Not just my husband and I, nor just us and my side of the family. I want us all to care and love each other.
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved (Acts 2:42-47).”
In Genesis 24:50-51, Rebekah’s family agrees to send her with Eliazor (the servant) to marry Isaac. When Isaac sees Rebekah, he goes to her and marries her with his father’s blessing and her family’s approval. Both sides of the family approved of the marriage between them because they knew that God was in the midst of their meeting and sent each other on their way.
For me, it’s important that I have full support from my future husband’s parents and my parents in furthering our relationship because that makes the relationship more solid. We would be able to further the relationship with more confidence knowing that the people that matter most to us approve.
When it comes down to it, God’s approval is the only approval we need, but it’s important for me to have the blessings from both sets of parents. If they don’t approve and God still wants us to be married, then we’ll wed, but that’s something we need to pray, ask, and listen about.
In the end, God’s approval is the ultimate blessing and surpasses everyone else’s opinions. But, God does call His family to unity (John 17:20-21).
Heavenly Father, we praise You because You are the ultimate judge. Help us to become unified in You. Help us to be loving towards one another and seek Your blessing above all else. Amen.
God bless,
M.A.
