Unsupportive Friends or Family

There is a chance you will have some friends or family who are unsupportive of you during the divorce process. Their reasons can vary. Some may think you shouldn’t be getting separated or divorced. Others may be “siding” with your ex. Whatever the case, it is important for you to keep a proper perspective on these potentially hurtful situations. Ask God to give these people the grace to accept you during this time when you most need your friends—and ask him to give you grace toward them as well. Try not to “keep score” or “get even.” Pray for the people who hurt you and ask God to help you deal with the pain.

The most important thing to remember is that God has not abandoned you. God’s desire is not to condemn us. Quite the opposite is true! John 3:17 says, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” During this Christmas season, focus on the fact that God sent his Son into the world to bring you salvation and acceptance into his family—not to condemn you for your perceived faults and failings. Do your best to not measure your self-worth by an external scorecard.

Instead anchor your heart to the treasure of Christ, who said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19–20)

The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe. (Proverbs 29:25)