Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse; but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called - that you might inherit a blessing. For

"Those who desire life and desire to see good days, let them keep their tongues from evil and their lips from speaking deceit; let them turn away from evil and do good; let them seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

1 Peter 3:8-12

Give your children encouragement. At the same time, give your parents encouragement. If you need to patch something up in your family relationships, do it. There might not be a tomorrow. Too often, tension between parents and children are left unresolved. Old wounds remain unhealed. We are unwilling to forgive the angry words and hurts from the past. But for the sake of ourselves and our families, we need to do what we can to dismantle the walls of separation between us.

Ask for God's grace to break the cycle of anger. Give your children what they long to hear from you - words of blessing and love.

The best thing you spend on your children is your time.

Our Daily Bread - June 20, 2004