Critical Mothers-In-Law

One of the young woman I mentored has a difficult time with her mother-in-law.  She criticizes everything that this young woman wants to do.  She asked me how she should handle her mother-in-law.

I told her we are called to love our enemies so she must love her mother-in-law.  We are told to heap burning coals upon our enemies head by loving them.  Overcome evil with good.

However, many women who criticize and find continually fault with someone else are foolish women.  Especially when they are telling you things that are opposite of what God's Word says.

Many young women who want to give control of how many children they have to God are criticized.  If they decide to not use birth control they are criticized.  If they aren't "rich" and continue to have children they are criticized.

Those criticisms are not coming from God.  You must remember that.  God says children are a blessing and a reward.  Convictions like homeschooling, immunizations, sleeping with babies or putting into cribs, nursing on demand or scheduling, spanking or not, etc. are personal decisions and shouldn't be criticized by others either.

You and your husband have to prayerfully decide how you will live your life and then hold to those convictions unless you are convicted another way.  Don't let those outside your family tell you how to run your lives.  Always be open to take instruction, especially from wise people, but weigh your decisions carefully.  Don't let others, like mother-in-laws or mothers intimidate you.

Decide not to discuss such topics with her.  If she is truly difficult to be with, spend as little time as possible with her but when you are with her, be kind and loving.  Remember, we win people by loving them, never by being angry with them.  God calls us to love others earnestly so love that mother-in-law of yours earnestly!

Now we exhort you, brethren,...be patient toward all men.
I Thessalonians 5:14