Compassion For Mother-in-laws

Do you see your mother-in-law with compassion, or do you see her as competition? Your mother-in-law is meant to compliment your marriage, not compete with your marriage. Peter did a smart thing as a son-in-law: he invited Jesus into his home and into their relationship. As a result– Jesus healed her– so she was free to serve Him and others.

It is out of an attitude of compassion that you are able to illustrate to your mother-in-law the love of Jesus. If you resist her interest in your family, reject her suggestions, or deny her access to your home, you dishonor her in the process. Yes, we all have our quirks, but the Lord works these with out levity, love and longsuffering. Compassion compensates.

As the leader of your home, make sure you are reaching out to your mother-in-law on a regular basis. Perhaps you invite her over for her grandchildren’s birthday, school events or sporting activities. How are you intentionally engaging your in-laws, so they are able to do life with your little ones? It is out of a multi-generational community your offspring gain perspective from their grandparents. Honor them as a model for your children, who one day will honor their in-laws. Ruth lived this out in uncomfortable circumstances.

“Boaz replied, “I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before” (Ruth 2:11).

You may be concerned that your mother-in-law does not know the Lord. This is a fair fear, but what an opportunity for you to be a righteous representative of your Savior. When she sees Jesus in your attitude and actions, she will be drawn by the Holy Spirit to know Him as you know Him. A fractured family is an opportunity for faith to flourish.

Therefore, help facilitate faith and healing in your family dynamics by keeping Christ at the center. Ask how you can serve your mother-in-law in ways she wants to be served. Do you invite her on family outings, extended trips or over the weekend to stay with your children? Pray your mother-in-law becomes like your mother and you like her child.

“Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too” (Romans 16:13).

How can I best show compassion to my mother-in-law with my attitude and actions?

Related Readings: Ruth 3:16; Micah 7:6; Luke 12:53; Ephesians 5:31

Transformational Living
What did I learn from the Lord in today’s Bible reading? How will I respond?