Should we let unbeliever family in our lives or our children's lives if they mistreat us?
Should we let unbeliever family in our lives or our children's lives if they mistreat us?
If they hurt or mistreat us should they be an active part of our lives, or our children’s? I think I am ok doing family events, but outside of that I struggle with knowing if I should continue to have my kids have a close relationship with a person (who is also an unbeliever). The kids are very impressionable at this point.
A: We are called to be the light reflecting Christ around us. We have to forgive. Show him brotherly love in how you are when around him. Unsaved people hate truth and God so they'll be negative.
So yes... to a limited degree as discretion and prayer is used.
See the other links here to help guide on that.
Book to help with understanding how to be around unsaved people in this world
Unbelievers are not repentant and changing people thru the transformation of Christ and sanctification. We need to be cautious, but also a light.
If you have concerns in your situation, speak to a counselor for right specific guidance. Be cautious if any physical abuse is or happens
As a parent you need to explain to the kids about the Gospel; Fall, God, His Holiness, our being sinners, Jesus who restores, transforms and changes us, and how we as believers live - and love like Christ, even when mistreated. Everyone in the whole world mistreats people. But anything physical in any way, they need to tell you, so you can further make decisions.
Make sure they understand people act like this if they dont know Jesus and haven't obeyed the Gospel. They say and do evil things because they don't have God's love in them.
Guide and train them up.in the Lord.
They'll see how you handle those situations with grace and Christlikeness. Real world training and examples. Which is good, it guides them to Christ that way too.
More Resources
God bless
Footnote:
If there's abuse in your home or by others physically then you need to leave, call cops, call pastor etc. to rightly deal with it.
If it is your husband physically abusing you, counselors will use these steps to try to have a good end result that blesses.
Its a basic model for Matt 18 for resolution.
