> Practical Family Living

People play games. Sometimes it is intriguing (or infuriating) to watch how people try to get what they want. Maneuvering for position…wanting to be the top dog or the most liked, the most talented, pretty, smart, etc. The list could go on and on. As typical or “normal” as this process may be, often one ends up being seen as the bad guy and one as the good guy. I have discovered that the person who may look mean or bad is often justified in their feelings of hurt, disappointment or anger. The one who may look sweet is often more indirect with the same feelings of hurt and anger. This happens frequently in relationships. What does it matter? It matters to God.

Here is the danger. When either person buys into the lie that they really are the “good” one or the “bad” one, it sets the scene in which other family members or friends are asked to take sides. This results in division…literally and spiritually. For some reason we seem to forget that we are all sinners saved only by the grace of God. It is easy to believe the lies as we may feel justified in withholding forgiveness. Forgiveness makes us equal. Equal in sin and equal in grace. For some odd reason equality appears to frighten us, suggesting loss of self or some sort of mental, emotional or spiritual prison. Our response to these scenarios becomes pivotal in that we can forgive as Christ forgave or we can harbor resentment. The latter ends in death both to the relationship and to the spirit. Am I being idealistic? Probably, but God knows the truth around our own sin and the sin of others. Let God reveal to you your equality (both righteous and unrighteous) with those around you. The unity it brings creates strength and freedom instead of division and death.

                         Compliments of Practical Family Living, Inc.

P.O. Box 1676, Appleton, WI 54912 (920) 720-8920 

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