How do we deal with my wife’s verbably abusive family?
Question:
Hello sir,
I am a born Hindu; later I learned about Jesus, and now I'm following him. Now I'm nearly 30 years old. I'm working in the government sector. Here I got to know one of my colleagues, and we got married. She also believes in Jesus Christ, but her family does not. We got married against our parents ' wishes in a government registrar's office. Now her parents, especially her mother, are abusing us and cursing us that we will die in the worst condition and things like that. She is always poking us about our past, that we did our marriage against them. She is calling my wife and abusing her, me, and my family with bad words.
They don't know that my wife and I are Christians. They only know a little about it.
Answer:
"Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matthew 5:10-12).
People often don't accept others who are different, even when those differences result in better people. You can't control your in-laws, but you can control the access they have to your life. Since these are your wife's parents, make sure your wife agrees, but I would suggest you move some distance from them. Block their numbers from your phone. Until they calm down, you will have to consider them as no longer a part of your life.
Before doing all of this, I would encourage you to write them a letter. Tell them plainly that both you and your wife are no longer Hindus. You have become Christians. Let them know that you would welcome having them as a part of your lives and your children's lives, but only if they treat your family with respect.
