Have you ever wondered how Jesus would have put up with today's typical family? How would He have handled the arguments, bickering and quarrels?

As incredible as it sounds, I don't think His family was really much different than most families today. After all, with four brothers and two sisters, there must be something in common? In addition, we see in the Gospels that His brothers were jealous, envious, non-supportive and even rebellious toward Him. But, no matter what they did, Jesus never argued.

Just as He never argued with His brothers, He didn't argue with His disciples either. For instance, when Andrew started to bicker about the shortage of food to feed the 5,000, Jesus' method of handling the contention was typical. Andrew said, "There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?" Then Jesus said, "Make the people sit down..." (John 6:9-10, NKJV).

Jesus defused all potential arguments in this same way. He simply rose above the strife, and under God's direction, took authority! Therefore, if you're upset tonight because you've once more gotten caught up in your family's squabbles, ask yourself, "How much of this emotional distress did I contribute to by answering back, getting defensive, or counter-attacking?"

God wants you to be free tonight, from all these arguments and tensions. He wants to teach you to rise above it all, take authority in the Spirit and put Him in control!

Heavenly Father, thank you for releasing me from my tendency to argue. Help me to remain emotionally detached from the quarrels and strife around me. Grant me the self-control to rise above the turmoil in my family. Grant me the wisdom to send forth only the words which will glorify You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.