How can I show grace to difficult family members at Christmas?

Romans 12:17-18Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

You can’t control how family members treat you, but you can control how you respond. Before your family gathering, ask God to help you act with integrity and pursue peace, even when others make it difficult.

Colossians 3:13Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Luke 6:27-28“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.”

Showing grace isn’t always easy, especially when someone has hurt you. Jesus calls us to respond with love rather than retaliation. Pray for those who are difficult to love, asking God to soften your heart and guide your response.

Proverbs 19:11Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.

Not every hurtful comment needs a response. Sometimes extending grace means choosing not to take offense or allowing a minor irritation to pass. Ask God for discernment to know when to speak and when to let something go.

1 Peter 3:9Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing.

1 Peter 4:8Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.