We all know that it’s easier to get along with a stepchild when we relate to him or her as a person.
It’s easy to love lovable people, right?!
But what if that stepchild is our polar opposite?
What if she does things totally backwards from how we would?
What if he acts in a way we find repulsive?
What if she wears things we don’t think are classy or flattering? And ignores our input?
What if he refuses to show motivation, self-discipline, the drive to improve himself? And doesn’t offer to help around the house?
What if she acts rudely?
What if he doesn’t get along with others?
That’s not easy to love, or even like. It can be infuriating.
But, let me ask you something:
Have you always been lovable?
I know I haven’t been.
Have you always known what to wear, say, do; have you always known how to act? Have you always had life figured out and known exactly what to say to not offend, annoy or push people away?
Sure, maybe you didn’t ever do those certain annoying things that your stepchild does; maybe you truly really did have life figured out a bit better than your stepkids.
But have you been perfect?
Today, do one thing that shows an unlovable child grace.
Say one less negative thing.
Compliment that child on something.
Find a way to reach into the child’s heart…
…maybe offer to play a card game together or read a book or draw a picture or play with Play Doh…
…or sit next to him while he plays a video game or knock on her door and ask her how her best friend is doing. Or walk the dog together or grab an ice cream “just cuz.”
But why…why go to all that effort for someone so annoying, demanding, entitled, unloving, rude?
Sometimes unlovable characteristics aren’t going to stay that way forever,
but they certainly won’t change if we nag or put up walls.
Sometimes that child is unlovable because a significant need hasn’t been met but you can be an instrumental person in showing that child that he has value.
Or maybe you’re just never going to see eye-to-eye and that’s okay. It’s okay to love people whom God has put in front of us even if they will never be our favorite people.
It’s okay to set boundaries but to show grace even in the mess.
And it’s okay to do all of this without any guarantee of getting anything in return.
Why? Because of Jesus and his unending love.
