
Mat 10:35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
Mat 10:36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.
Mat 10:37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
Mat 10:38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
It seems so odd to me that ones own family can become one of our greatest foes in walking a spiritual life and yet in my experience it is so. Even one family member who is also a believer is quick to judge me, perhaps that family member feels they are trying to help, but the criticisms are hurtful.
So, how does one deal with the criticisms and hateful remarks that come from your own loved ones?
Here's what I do, most of the time these things help.
Pray for the offender. Ask God to give them all the good things that you want in your own life.
Search yourself, as honestly as you can, if you find their criticism to be right, apologize and ask for forgiveness and ask God to help you overcome your shortcomings.
If after searching yourself and you are being wronged then forgive. Also, ask God to remove any anger the offense may have caused in you.
If all of the above still doesn't work to relieve the situation then it may be time to give the other person space and release with Love. At any rate, we must bear our cross which to me means take responsibility for any offense you may have given and just keep on trusting God that he can and will work the situation out to His satisfaction, in His time. There is Light at the end of the tunnel.
What do you think?