With Christmas soon arriving, for many of us, this also means family nearness. And don’t emotions almost always run high, whether you’re elated to see a family member you’ve missed, or, and that’s a BIG or, you may be spending time with family members who are eager to belittle or argue.

First, take a deep breath. Remember, God’s got you through the cheerful times AND those more challenging moments.

I want to encourage us all to speak with love this Christmas. I want to encourage us to take the time to minister grace. If we can already start thinking about these busy, full moments as opportunities to show the love of Jesus, we may just find that stressful dread slip away.

“But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” Ephesians 4:15

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Ephesians 4:29