after burn: In charge (week 4)

Last night we talked about families with step-parents.  It's hard enough to figure out how to relation to your mom or dad, and they've known you since birth!  So having a good relationship with a step parent is going to take work and T-I-M-E.  And even though the Bible never says the word "step-mom" or "step-dad," it gives us some help.  Romans 15:7 says, "Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God."  But what does accepting a step-parent look like?  What do I do?  Great question!  Here's some ideas.

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• Be humble - Don't think you know everything about how things should go.  Be willing to admit that you don't know everything and you don't have all the answers.  Maybe, just maybe, you're step-mom/dad could help you with something.
• Be gentle - Putting a family together is a delicate process.  And since we're talking about humans, if you are harsh and forceful, people are gonna get hurt.  Being gentle and considerate will build a much healthier relationship.  
  
• Be patient - Learning how to relate to each other is going to take T-I-M-E, and lots of it.  Being patient with people communicates "you're worth it."  But waiting doesn't come naturally to anyone, especially today when everything happens so fast.  So it's going to take some effort on your part. 
  
• Try to keep the unity - Don't have a "US" verses "THEM" mindset.  There is already enough separation and competition in families.  Instead, as often as you can, think "WE." 

Here are just a few things to get you started.  And if you're wondering where I got this list from, check out Ephesians 4:1-4.