Over the years I have counseled with thousands of people from all walks of life. From the poor to the rich, from the young to the old, regardless of their social standing, I have discovered that many people have problems at holiday reunions and family get-togethers.
Uncle Bob, Aunt June, Cousin Alice, and sister-in-law Thelma may be the nicest people in the world 364 days a year, but no matter what the occasion (Christmas, birthday celebration, or a simple family reunion), the fangs and claws come out and they become ruthless.
What’s Your Family Like?
It is true that there are many good, solid wholesome families that enjoy getting together at the holiday season. If your family is like this, be thankful and count your blessing because for many, the thought of getting together with family creates stress and pain.
This should not be.
God loves families. After all, He created them. God’s plan for your family is peace and stability. Your family should be a place like an oasis. God did not intend for families to argue and fight.
So what causes family division? The answer is quite simple.
God is not the author of confusion. God is not divisive and God does not promote division. The devil, on the other hand, seeks to divide, destroy, and disburse families.
Keep God In The Family
If you are having problems with your family, then follow these steps and I guarantee peace will be yours.
- See your family the way God sees them. God sees them worthy of His Son’s death.
- Be gracious in your speech even when others are not gracious to you. In other words, do not allow any one else’s pride, haughtiness, greed, or slander affect your words. If the devil can get you to change what you say, because of what others say, then he has won.
- You must know that your life is not about you. Your life is about Him and them. If you always place Him and them first, then your relationships will be in the right perspective.
- Have a good time no matter what. Choose to enjoy your family whether they enjoy you or not. After all, you only have one family and you’re stuck with it. So make the most of it. (Yes, I am talking about your attitude, here!)
- Use common sense. If Uncle Harry goes ballistic when you mention politics, then avoid politics and don’t allow yourself to be drawn in to a fruitless argument.
- Lighten up. Don’t go to the reunion with a “spirit of heaviness and dread” upon you. Pray in the Spirit on your way to the reunion and allow the refreshing of the Holy Spirit to be upon you.
- “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).
Follow these simple steps and family happiness will be yours.
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Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of eight books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.