It is a painful reality that sometimes our greatest opposition comes from within our own family.
These “family enemies” may criticize your faith, sabotage your growth, or even actively persecute you. Jesus warned that following Him could cause division, even within a household (Matthew 10:34-36). Your first calling in this situation is to ensure you are not retaliating in the flesh. Romans 12:18 instructs, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Do your part to be a peacemaker, speaking with kindness and setting healthy boundaries.
When peace is not possible, you must choose loyalty to Christ over the approval of family. This is a heartbreaking but necessary step in discipleship. Jesus said in Luke 14:26, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother… such a person cannot be my disciple.” This is a Hebrew idiom meaning you must love Jesus so much that your love for your family looks like hate in comparison. Your ultimate identity is not as a son, daughter, or sibling, but as a child of God.
Finally, you are called to bless those who oppose you. This is the supernatural response. Pray for them sincerely. Ask God to reveal His love to them. By doing this, you “heap burning coals on their head” (Romans 12:20) a metaphor for provoking conviction that can lead to repentance. You also free your own heart from bitterness. Trust that God sees your pain and will be your vindicator and your perfect family. He sets the lonely in families (Psalm 68:6), and He will provide you with a spiritual family in the body of Christ to support you.
