You can honor and not agree. You can respect and not see eye-to-eye.
“Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—“so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” (Ephesians 6:2-3)
Social science has proven this ancient text. Do you know the primary characteristic of the people in the world who live the longest and enjoy the best health? Food and exercise are part of the equation, but the most prominent factor is…community and proximity to meaningful relationships.
God gave us families knowing they would let us down and be imperfect. Family is a shadow representation of the love God has for us, and the harmony God wants with us. A less than perfect shadow is better than no shadow. And, God has a way of filling in the gaps.
But, for us, this holiday season, we honor.
We respect, even when it’s hard. We draw boundaries, but we don’t build up barriers. We change our expectations of people, but we don’t chain people to their pasts.
Peace with family might not be easy, but it’s possible, and it’s a better path for your long, enjoyable life here on earth.