We like to think we control our lives. But the reality is that so much of our journey is determined before we’re even born. The family in which we are born or adopted into will likely determine our educational opportunities, our financial stability, our faith experience and possibly even our mental and physical well-being.

Family is an important part of our sphere of influence. And for many of us reading this devotional, that’s good news. For others, it’s not.

Jesus understood what it was like to live in family. In fact, He understood what it was like to have unsupportive family. In John 7, we see the brothers of Jesus encouraging him to “back up” His claims of deity by performing publicly for all to see. They weren’t doing this because they were proud of Jesus. In fact, verse 5 says, “For not even his brothers believed him.” That’s right, the Savior of the world had flesh-and-bone family members who doubted Him.

Have you ever felt as if members of your family didn’t support you on something? What was your response?

Do you sometimes extend less grace and love when a family member offends you?