Start with small moves in hopes of reuniting family

My family never got along very well, and over the years we just drifted apart. Now that I’m older I’d like to do something about this, but I’m not sure they care. Should I try?

Q: A: — Mrs. K.W.

I’m thankful you want to bring peace to your family, and I certainly hope you’ll do whatever you can to re-establish your family’s ties. God gave our families to us, and he wants them to be a source of love and strength. What can you do? First, pray for your family — not only that they’ll overcome their hostility or indifference, but that they’ll discover the peace and joy that God wants to give them by opening their hearts and lives to Jesus Christ. No matter what’s happened in the past, God is able to help us overcome it.

Then reach out to them. It may be in small ways at first — a birthday card, an email or note letting them know you’re thinking of them, a telephone call, etc. Later on, you might invite some of them for a picnic or holiday. Even if some of them don’t respond, it’s important to make the effort.

Sadly, family conflicts are almost as old as the human race (see Cain and Abel in Genesis 4:116). But when we know Christ, he gives us a new love for others, and a new desire to overcome these conflicts. Make sure of your commitment to Christ, and then ask him to help you be a peacemaker in your family — and beyond.