Political Tensions Within In-Law Relationships - Crosswalk Couples Devotional - June 12
Political Tensions Within In-Law Relationships
by Vivian Bricker
“Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor” (1 Peter 2:17).
Within the past year, political tensions have been high. Due to the split between Americans concerning politics, we often find ourselves in the middle of political conversations. Even if we are not someone who gets involved in politics, it shouldn't come as a surprise that politics often comes up out of the blue. This is because many people align their faith with their politics or even view their politics as their faith.
As one could imagine, this is not good. There was a separation between church and state for a reason: the church didn't want the government influencing its teachings. Sadly, in the modern day, this is exactly what happened. Within Christian homes, there has been a divide over whether you are a Democrat or a Republican.
Friends, we must remember that our allegiance is to God alone. The president and the government are not our gods. For any Christian who has been treating their leaders, political party, or government as their god, they need to repent and turn back to the true God. No president, political party, leader, or policy is going to save you. Only placing your faith in Jesus will (John 3:16-17).
As Christians, we don’t need to allow politics to divide our families. Many couples discover that they have different political beliefs from their in-laws, which can strain relationships. Rather than letting your relationship with your in-laws break down, it is better to resolve tensions in a healthy way. Discussing various political issues is fine, but it is crucial to be caring, loving, and kind.
Don’t try to start an argument with your in-laws, and don’t disrespect them if they have views different from yours. We must remember that our in-laws are our family, and we shouldn’t think poorly of them. If we do, it will strain our family and may lead to separation from them. Choose to seek out peace with your in-laws rather than discord.
Discussing politics can be complicated at times and lead to arguments. If you know your in-laws, or you yourself, are prone to getting upset over politics, then maybe the best thing is to refrain from talking about politics for now. Politics is not worth hurting your family members and bringing pain into their hearts.
This is why we must follow what the Bible teaches. The Apostle Peter tells us, “Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor” (1 Peter 2:17). As Peter tells us in this passage, we need to show respect to all people, love the family of God, fear God, and honor the emperor. Within our modern day, we can view the emperor as our leaders, such as our president, government, governor, and mayor.
Therefore, respect and love are the foundation of treating others right. Whenever political tensions rise, we must remember that our in-laws are family and that we need to serve God in all our actions. How does it glorify God if we get into arguments with our in-laws? How does it glorify God to talk badly about leaders or candidates? None of these things glorifies God because we are talking badly about someone made in the image of God.
During times of intense struggles, turn to God in prayer. Ask Him to help you overcome the temptation of getting angry or upset with your in-laws over politics. Pray that He will give you patience, kindness, and steadfastness when you are feeling frustrated and angry. God will bless you and help you overcome any challenge. He is faithful, and He will ensure your relationship with your in-laws becomes more important to you than your political party.
“Dear God, it is hard not to allow political tensions to get in the way of my relationship with my in-laws. They belong to a different political party than mine, and it sometimes makes me angry. Please help me put my anger and resentment aside. I want to be kind, loving, caring, and respectful to all people, especially You. Amen.”
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