Richard D. Dobbins Institute of Ministry

This is Part 5 of a 5 part series on Falling In Love Again!

FALLING IN LOVE WITH YOUR FAMILY AGAIN

The source of our greatest joys and the source of our greatest pain is our family. So there are circumstances that put family members at a distance from each other. And if family love is to survive, ways must be found to deal with these circumstances and to fall in love with each other again.

Extramarital affairs have this kind of impact on a family. During this time there is distance between Mom and Dad, and the children resent the parent who introduced this kind of uncertainty into their family’s life.

Drug abuse can put family members at a distance from each other. Unfortunately a problem like this may keep family relationships strained for years. However, once the drug abuser is delivered, then it is the obligation of the rest of the family to fall in love with the abuser again so that healing can come to the family.

Adolescent rebellion can also distance family members from each other. Fortunately this period does not last too long. But even in situations filled with anger, the family survives and agrees to fall in love with each other again.

Unwise mate choices by the children can be causes of family distance. In most cases, young people make wise choices. As the new spouse stretches, the family stretches and tensions are relieved. Family members then can fall in love with each other again.

Divorce creates another difficult strain on family relationships. For example, in-laws who have been loved are no longer a part of the family. In most cases, those relationships are permanently lost. When children get divorced, it is a disappointment to their parents. When parents get divorced, it is a disappointment to their children and a blow to family pride. But even under these circumstances, God will give you the grace to fall in love with your family again.

Perhaps remarriage is the ultimate stress on family relationships. This is particularly true when Mom or Dad remarry, even if they are widowed at the time. It usually requires 3 to 5 years for family members to comfortably love each other again.

I welcome your questions and comments below.

Doc