Is The Bible Relevant to Racial Strife Today?

I suppose most of us have heard our kids or other young people say something like, "Oh, come on Mom/Dad. This is the Nineties, 21st Century and the Bible is an old fuddy duddy about that".  As a former therapist and family counselor I can sure say how relevant it is today in helping people deal with every day life, especially when it comes to families.

As I watch the news and listen to discussions it is easy to see that most conflicts are caused not by real issues but by people emotionally over reacting to minor differences or simple misunderstandings. Get this stunning fact. Ask anyone why people separate and divorce and the answers will be things like money, sex, parenting, adultery, work, etc. However, Dr. John Gottman's research and many of his colleagues have discovered it is the fact that people cannot deal well with simple differences on almost any matter.

Gottman discovered this when he hooked couples up to a machine that registered their brain waves and blood pressure and had them discuss a simple issue in the home. If one or both people had a strong REACTIVITY with a racing heart, an increase in BP and a rise in emotions, that marriage was in trouble. If they stayed calm, the marriage would survive and thrive.

Can you think of any Bible verses that suggest we stay calm in a marriage or work or friend situation? Can you think of a verse that warns us not to get overwrought?

Why not pause for a few moments and try to remember some verses from your past reading or listening to sermons.

I am going to suggest a couple of verses that are offered to help us build an inner strength so REACTIVITY is minimized and RESPONDING is a common response. See if you can find them in the Bible.

Leave mother and father so your days on earth will be long and prosperous.

Honor your father and mother.

Fathers, do not make your kids bitter, wound their spirits and make them discouraged.

Consider whether you are ready to take on my book about healing the family tree. I call it How to be Me in My Family Tree .  It might be too much for you now so there is no hurry. Instead of such a heavy book why not watch one of our free videos on the family tree?

Shalom,

Gary Sweeten