My Mother In Law Stinks…NOT!!!

Some are surprised that my mother in law and I have such a great relationship. I have heard some horrible stories about ‘the mother in law from the dark side’. However, it is possible for you to have a great relationship with your mother in law. Is anything too hard for God (Jeremiah 32:17)?

As Christians we are obligated to love, not like. The bible explains that love covers a multitude of faults, even the endless faults of your mother in laws. Now this task may be extremely difficult, especially if you have envisioned your hands around your mother in law’s throat. You have to repent of those kinds of thoughts. Ask the Lord to renew your mind and cleanse your heart that you may be able to love your mother in law too.

Next, make a commitment to the Lord that you are going to make a legitimate effort to befriend your mother in law in spite of the horns that are protruding from her forehead. Remember that when you commit ‘your way’ unto the Lord and trust also in Him, He will bring it to pass (Psalm 37:5). He will bring it to pass, not the early demise of your mother in law, but that which you have committed unto Him. Also, respect your mother in law, after all she is your husband’s mother. Even if she doesn’t respect you, turn the other cheek. You will be honored by your husband and more importantly God. These are hard truths but the truth shall MAKE you free (John 8:32).

Finally, pray. Say a quick ‘rescue me Lord because I want to choke her’ prayer. It doesn’t have to be a glamorous down on your knees prayer. Sometimes we don’t have time for those long prayers. We need God to do something now. It’s okay to say a quick prayer in your mind, God understands. He knows what we have need of prior to us asking (Matthew 6:8). You may have to grit your teeth and grumble your prayer with clenched fists, whatever the case may be, pray. Your mother in law may or may not come around, but at least you’ll be able to say: Lord I tried. Be persistent and sincere in your efforts because God knows our intentions, whether they are pure or not. Don’t grow weary in well doing because at the appointed time you’ll be rewarded if you don’t give up (Galatians 6:9).

I leave you with this question to ponder. Put yourself in your mother in law’s shoes (no matter how stinky). How would you want to be treated? After all one day you may be the ‘mother in law’.

About the Author:
The Lord has wrought miracles through the life of Takiela Bynum. Life’s circumstances ignited a blaze, and reduced her broken spirit to ashes. She has been restored from cremation and beautified with salvation. Takiela wrote at her leisure as a tween, and her work proved as evidence of incipient literary composer. God had a purpose for her pleasure…to minister. One must first be hurt in order to be healed, held captive in order to be freed, and cast down to be exalted, that is the basis of her prose. She has novels and poetry that are pending publication.

The Lord exchanged the ashes of her life for His beauty, indeed.

Takiela has been married for over ten years to Minister Marterrio Bynum. They have three children and reside in Nebraska. Learn more about Takiela at TakielaBynum.com.