It is known as the blended family … but too often it is characterized by barriers rather than bonds. A mother or father again says “I do,” and children from previous marriages now living together under the same roof can wish their parent had said … “I don’t.” Challenges abound … sharing coveted space, submitting to new rules and values, struggling to sympathize with shortcomings … so that the blended family trying to follow a recipe for reconciliation might resemble more a concoction of contention.

But God has a heart … for the blended family. By the power of His Spirit He can break down walls and build lasting bonds, girded together by unconditional love.

“Above all, love each other deeply,
because love covers over a multitude of sins.”  (1 Peter 4:8)

Wrong & Right Belief

Wrong Belief:
“I must be perfect in this new marriage in order to project a healthy family image and to prove my success as a marriage partner and as a parent.”

Right Belief:
I cannot be a perfect parent or make others happy all the time. I will rely on the Holy Spirit, who gives me the wisdom and love to respond in a Christlike manner in all my family relationships.

Read: Philippians 3:13-14.

Remember…

Your emotional health is of critical importance when you are faced with the new challenges of parenting, the pain of separating from past marriages and the stress of interacting with ex-spouses. Your responses to the challenges will greatly affect the failure or the success of your new family. Although no two families are alike, all will have varying degrees of emotions.

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!” (Isaiah 43:18)

The important thing is to keep on trying when you feel like giving up. Stick close to God’s recipe for loving others, and He will bless your efforts.