“They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.” Luke 12:53
April 9, 2025
Christ came to divide. Does that startle you? Jesus said, “Do you think I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell, but rather division” (Lk. 12:52). Allegiance to Jesus Christ by trusting in Him alone for the forgiveness of sin and eternal life can bring spiritual fissures within a family. The truth is that in ever widening circles the gospel believed and lived will draw the opposition of those relationally close to us. This spiritual reality is not a call from the believer to mean-spiritedness and self-righteousness. In Matthew 10:34-37 the word picture of a sword is used to describe the inevitable clash between light and darkness. The tender mercies of God can be enough to arouse suspicion and resentment in others: “Who do you think you are?” “So you think the rest of us are going to hell?” Keep in mind the members in your family may become prejudiced against you for your faith in Christ. Our love of God over all else looms larger than every other human relationship.
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Is your family united in love for Christ? Rejoice. Are you opposed because of your faith in Christ? Jesus’ own family failed to understand Him before they recognized His true identity (Jn. 7:3-5).