Each of us has someone in our family who is an unbeliever or is rebellious. A common question is asked: "How should I respond to this situation?"

1. Commit your own life to Christ 1 Peter 3:1-17; Colossians 3; Ephesians 5 and 6
2. Be a doer of the Word. James 1:22-25
3. Demonstrate the attributes of love. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
4. Practice spiritual wisdom. James 3:13-18
5. Lead a quiet life. 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
6. "Put on" the fruit of the Spirit and "put off" the works of the flesh or carnal nature. Galatians 5:14-26

Then, seek daily to show this obedient walk before others for the glory of the Lord, not for the acceptance of men.

1. Take the step of reconciliation, if there is a fault between you and another. Matthew 5:22-24; Mark 11:25-26
2. Be gentle in disputes. 2 Timothy 2:22-26; Proverbs 15:1
3. Do not be judgmental. Matthew 7:1-5
4. Reprove in the right spirit. 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Matthew 18:15-17; Luke 17:3-4
5. Speak honestly in love. 2 Timothy 1:7; Ephesians 4:15
6. Control your anger; speak no unwholesome word. Ephesians 4:26-27, 29
7. Put away bitterness; be kind, tenderhearted, forgiving. Ephesians 4:31-32; Matthew 6:14-15

And finally, keep on keeping on.

1. Continue to pray. 1 Timothy 2:8; Ephesians 6:18
2. Continue in confidence. Hebrews 4:15-16; 12:1-11; Galatians 6:9
3. Count persecution and trial as joy, knowing that the testing of faith produces endurance; asking wisdom of God in faith without doubting. Matthew 5:11-12; 44 Romans 5:3-5; James 1:2-8