Right From The Heart 1-Minute DevotionsBeispiel

Getting Along With Those In-Laws

Perhaps the relationship people struggle with most is getting along with those in-laws. In-laws are the gift we received in marriage--a gift many want to give back.

Even in healthy in-law relationships there will be tensions and challenges. You both love the same person, and the only reason you're attached is because of that person. That can mean competing interests. In-laws can be made to feel like out-laws. They get to be the brunt of many a tale--especially mothers-in-law--the universal catch-all of abusive humor.

Rather than offering advice on the in-law relationship, I offer four stories in scripture: For a healthy in-law relationship, read about Moses and his father-in-law in Exodus 18, or Ruth and her mother-in-law in the book of Ruth. And if you think you've got it bad, take comfort--it could be a lot worse! Read about Jacob and his father-in-law in Genesis 29 and following, or David and the all time worst in-law, King Saul in I Samuel. Hopefully these will help.