Family conflict often flows outward from inner brokenness. To restore peace in the family, we must  follow God’s path of righteousness, repentance, and forgiveness—beginning with ourselves and  extending through our marriages and family relationships. There are three circles of conflict that we  need to address: inner conflict, marriage conflict, and family conflict. Solving these conflicts isn’t just  about peace in the home—it’s about reflecting the gospel. 

Put It into Practice: Consider signing up for one of the upcoming Break Free Workshops, where you  will learn how to overcome unhealthy thoughts and behaviors that hinder your relationships. Then you  will be more open to the Spirit’s leading as all hindrances will be removed, and your love will grow! 

 

Day 1      Colossians 3:12-15 

Reflect: Which “garment” listed in this passage do you struggle most to wear in your family  relationships? How can forgiveness, even when difficult, act as a healing force in your family?

Apply:   What does it mean to “bear with each other” when it comes to family tension or unmet  expectations? How can you intentionally cultivate a heart of peace that overflows into your home?

Pray:    Heavenly Father, help us to be clothed in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and  patience. Help us to forgive as You as forgiven us and let Your peace rule in our hearts. 

 

Day 2     Galatians 5:13-26 

Reflect: Which “acts of the flesh” show up most often in your response to conflict? Can you pinpoint  what responses like these are rooted in (fear, rejection, pride, etc.)? What does fruit look like to you?

Apply:   What would it look like to walk by the Spirit in your family’s most challenging moments? What  is the opposite of “hurt people hurt people”? What hurts need healing, and how will you pursue it?

Pray:     Holy God, we pray that Your holy Spirit to guide us, to empower us to walk in Your ways, and  to bear the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,  and self-control. 

 

Day 3     Matthew 5:23-24 

Reflect: Why do you think Jesus places reconciliation ahead of worship? What does this passage  reveal about the importance of both giving and seeking forgiveness? Are you quick to admit wrong?

Apply:  Is there a person in your family you need to reconcile with? What’s holding you back? What  has an unresolved conflict cost you or robbed you of? How can picturing the cross help you with this? 

Pray:   Lord, we pray that You reveal to us any areas where we may have caused offense and give us  courage and grace to seek reconciliation with anyone we may have wronged. Fill our hearts with love  and compassion and guide us to live in peace with one another.

 

Day 4     1 Corinthians 13:4-7  

Reflect: Which aspect of love do you find hardest to show when you are hurt by someone close? What does “keeping no record of wrongs” look like in long-term family and marriage relationships?

Apply:   How does this passage challenge your typical emotional reactions during conflict? Why is it  essential that love “always protects, always trusts, always perseveres”—especially in your home?

Pray: Father God, thank You for Your perfect love! Help us to embody that love and teach us to be  patient and kind in all our relationships. May we all be slow to anger, quick to forgive, and be an  authentic reflection of Your love. 

 

Day 5      Ephesians 4:29-32 

Reflect: What kind of speech tears down your family relationships? What kind builds them up? In  what ways does this text mirror the way Christ forgave us, and how can that shape your responses?

Apply:    How have you seen compassion play a role in defusing tension in family conversations? In  what ways does resolving inner and family conflict reflect the heart of the gospel to your spouse,  children, or extended family? 

Pray:     Jesus, we come before You, recognizing the power of our words and actions. WE ask that Your  Holy Spirit helps us speak words that build each other up, not tear each other down. May our lives  reflect Your grace and love in all we do and say.