IN-LAWS - Dag Heward-Mills

READ: Ruth 1:1-22

…It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband…
Ruth 2:11

The Bible admonishes a spouse to honour his/her parents or parent figures and you must do the same (Ephesians 6:3).

Your in-laws are like adopted parents to you. You must try to love them unconditionally as we are admonished to do in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, even when you think they don't like you.

Do not complain about your spouse to your parents. Do not allow your parents to develop a habit of saying bad things about your spouse to you directly or indirectly. You are one. Let love cover the multitude of your partner's faults and seek pastoral counsel when you need help (Proverbs 10:12).

Know that your in-laws can do unacceptable things just like your parents. The difference is that you may not be able to tell your in-law your real sentiments without stirring up trouble; so learn to overlook certain things. Be yourself with your inlaws as far as you are not offensive.

Try not to discriminate between parents as to upkeep. Recognize the reality that not all sets of parents have the same needs, so do not try to make their needs identical. For example, one parent may need remittances but the other may need to be given gifts on birthdays and other special occasions. Usually, the woman may prompt the husband on care for the home. He should provide these needs with love (1 Timothy 5:8).

Your in-laws can pronounce a blessing on you depending on how you treat them. Ruth received an additional blessing.