“Family Untied”

Thursday, May 04, 2017

Is it possible to live a christian life when you cut off all ties to parents and keep their grandbaby from them?  My parents have never seen their first grandbaby.  This decision was mutual between my husband and I.  My parents ignore my husband; they pretend he doesn't exist.

Sincerely,
Discouraged Daughter

Dear Discouraged Daughter,

If you cut ties for moral reasons, yes... but not if you just got tired of dealing with family.  God emphasizes the need and importance of honoring parents (Ex 20:12, Matt 19:19, Matt 15:4, Mk 10:19, Eph 6:2).  Showing respect and kindness toward those who gave you the gift of life is deeply important.  The only time that it would be appropriate to sever that relationship would be if your parents were stopping you from serving the Lord (Matt 10:37).  Our relationship with our spiritual Father is more important than our relationship with our physical parents (Matt 19:29).  God understands that sometimes, for the sake of living a pure life, lines must be drawn between family members (Matt 10:35-36).  However, if at all possible, this should be avoided.  As much as it depends on you, be at peace with all men (Rom 12:18).

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