Mark 3:20-30

“One time Jesus entered a house, and the crowds began to gather again. Soon he and his disciples couldn’t even find time to eat. 21 When his family heard what was happening, they tried to take him away. ‘He’s out of his mind,’ they said.” v. 20-21 (NLT)

Sometimes our families are the most difficult places to be a witness for Jesus.  To be the first or only Christian may go against the grain.  Your faith may be misinterpreted as criticism.  Your zeal may be misunderstood.  You may be accused of being a hypocrite because other areas of your life still fall short of Christ’s ideals.  Uncommitted people may even view your new commitment to the Bible as unreasonable bigotry.

Sometimes, family members require the most patience.  They see us at our worst when our guard is down.  Remember that Christ’s family rejected and ridiculed him.  Jesus knows what you face by trying to be a witness for him within your family.  Stay true to your faith.  Don’t respond negatively to the attacks that may come.  Over time, your love for your family will have a positive effect.  – NLT Life Application Study Bible

Today, thank God for your family. Commit to pray for them specifically by asking God to reveal Himself to them in a powerful way.  Stay true to Christ’s teaching and set an example for them, because they are watching!

Prayer: Father help us to love our family with the unconditional love you have shown us.  When times get tough, and others don’t understand us, help us not to argue, get defensive, and blow our witness.  Allow us to look for the right opportunities to share the truth in love that we have experienced from you.  Begin now to soften their hearts and prepare to set an example for them to see Christ in us.