This post was inspired from my dad died on March 13, 2025.

The Bible, while emphasizing the importance of honoring parents and family, also acknowledges that sometimes following God’s calling may lead to division or conflict within the family. Jesus even stated that his coming would cause division, specifically between family members. This does not mean abandoning family, but rather prioritizing God’s will.

Luke 12:51-53 (NIV)
⁵¹ Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. ⁵² From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. ⁵³ They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

The key is to balance the importance of honoring parents and family relationships with the responsibility to follow God’s calling. This may involve difficult conversations, compromise, and even temporary separation, but it’s important to remember that God’s love and guidance should always be the priority.

Romans 12:18 (NIV)
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

1 Peter 3:11 (NKJV)
Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it.

Matthew 5:9 (NKJV)
Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.

Ephesians 4:31-32 (NKJV)
³¹ Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. ³² And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for my dad. A humble man who taught me to be gentle and kind to others, and to do unto others as I would have them do unto me. Gratitude and generosity, joy and honor that he gave to all he encountered. I thank You for my family. God, I ask you to reveal any harbored feelings, resentment and bitterness that have stolen our peace. Open the hearts of my family to be filled by Your fresh fire that burns out anything unholy. May the spirits of peace, love and truth fill each person in my family. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for providing both gifts and fruits as they flow freely like a river of living water. I ask You for the courage to pursue peace we need and You desire. In Jesus’ Name, the sweet Lamb of God, Jesus of Nazareth, Amen.