Everyone is part of a family of some kind. Whether it’s a traditional family or a group of people who feel like family, there’s a bond that is stronger than any other relationship in our lives. When we try to establish a culture with the people we love, we must understand that we are going to fail each other at times and learn how to navigate the disappointment this brings. We can maintain a tight bond as our family faces failure, but it takes work. Jesus set the ultimate example.
Read: Mark 14:66-72
Respond: How did Peter fail Jesus?
Jesus and his disciples were “family,” and He knew at some point they would disappoint. What Peter did came as no surprise. Despite his failure, Jesus’ faith in Peter remained the same. He continued to believe in Peter’s potential and loved him regardless of his offense.
Read: John 21:1-17
Journal: In this passage, we see that Jesus forgives Peter in spite of his failure. Recall a time in your life that someone unconditionally forgave you for an offense. Describe this time and how it made you feel. How did it impact your relationship?
Most of us operate in performance-based relationships. Our love depends on how others respond. When a loved one fails us, we often show them how unhappy we are with what they’ve done. Holding others to an impossible standard only sets them up to fail and ultimately drives a wedge in our relationships. What if Jesus did that to us?
When we don’t believe the best of our family or see them through the eyes of grace, we condemn them when that isn’t our place. God has forgiven us of so much more. Grace-based relationships allow families to draw closer together and grow stronger, both individually and as a unit.
Grace says “I forgive you in spite of my hurt.” It gives them a chance to acknowledge their mistake on their own. Grace shows them that our love is not based on what they do or how they make us feel. It provides them a soft place to land, a safe space to heal, and a secure place to grow. Grace demonstrates the love that God has given and commands us to give. It doesn’t kick them when they’re down.
God has blessed each one of us with family. We must protect the bond that we share. Let’s make time to sit in relationship and plan conversations that build trust. Lay aside the disappointments from this point on. Love keeps no record of wrongs so let’s quit bringing them up. Life is always better together.
Journal: Share a time that you experienced or demonstrated performance-based love. How did it affect your relationship?
Activation: Sit down with a family member and engage in conversation that creates community and connection. Share how they responded and how it impacted your relationship?
Fill-in-the-Blank:
Make
for each other’s , and forgive anyone who you. Remember, the Lord you, so you must others. —Colossians 3:13 NLT
Be
to one another, tenderhearted, one another, as God in Christ you. —Ephesians 4:32 ESV
Don’t
to —there may be a perfectly good for what you just saw. —Proverbs 25:8 MSG
people the way you want them to you. —Luke 6:31 NASB
Shouldn’t you have
on your fellow , just as I had on you?’ —Matthew 18:33 NLT
Blessed are the
, for they will be shown . —Matthew 5:7 NIV
Prayer:
God, I thank you for Your abundant grace. Your mercies are new every morning. Despite my shortcomings, You love me and see my full potential. You never give up on me. And just as You have shown me unconditional love and grace, I ask You to help me show my family the same. Help me to see the best in them even when they are not at their best, love them when they fall, and trust that You have them in the palm of Your hand. I don’t need to be their judge. Encompass our family with a hedge of protection. Draw us closer to each other and to You. Amen