Just don't fit

We've all been there at some point. Like a pair of jeans that have been in the dryer too long, we just don't fit anymore. Maybe we feel this way with old buddies from school or the neighbourhood. Our conversation is different , our ideas, our logic, our values. Maybe we dress differently, or listen to different music. It can be frustrating. But what if it's with your siblings or parents... your own family. I don't have any answers. It's difficult to be different from your family, especially when you're living for Jesus and they're not. It's easy to want to distance yourself from them because it's much simpler than to deal with the feelings that build up, or the angry, cutting words that can be hurled your way. Let me share two ideas that might help. First ask God to remind you to be an encourager. Dont't aggravate them by fighting back. Live in harmony with one another, be syympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing. For, whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good, he must seek peace and pursue it. Second, remember that there is one place where you do fit, and that's in God's family. You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Because you are sons, God sent the spirit of His Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, Abba Father. So you are no longer a slave, but a son and since you are a son God has made you also an heir. Yes, being a believer in Jesus makes you different but not alone. That's good news and a good fit.