Then he kissed his daughter Sarah and said to her, “My daughter, honor your father-in-law and your mother-in-law, since from now on they are as much your parents as those who gave you birth. Go in peace, daughter, and may I hear a good report about you as long as I live.” Then he bade them farewell and let them go.”
Tobit 10: 12abc
Introduction
In the Bible, Tobit 10:12 teaches us about the importance of respecting and caring for our in-laws, treating them like our own parents. This verse has valuable lessons that can guide us in building strong and positive relationships. Let’s explore these teachings and see how they can inspire us in our lives today.
Honouring In-Laws: Like Family
Tobit 10:12 begins with a dad telling his daughter to show respect to her new family – her father-in-law and mother-in-law. It’s a reminder that the bond formed through marriage is special and should be treated with care. The Bible often talks about honouring our parents, and this verse extends that idea to include our in-laws.
A New Family: Embracing Change
When Tobit 10:12 says, “They are as much your parents as those who gave you birth,” it means that marriage creates a new family. It’s like when Genesis 2:24 says that a man and his wife become one. We should embrace this change while still respecting and caring for our original families.
Getting Along with In-Laws: A Modern View
In dealing with in-law relationships, Ephesians 4:2-3 gives us wise advice: “Be humble, gentle, patient, and loving, working hard to keep the peace.” This matches Tobit’s encouragement to go in peace and work towards having good relationships with our extended family.
Saying Goodbye with Blessings: A Loving Act
The verse ends with a dad saying goodbye to his daughter, wishing her well. This reminds us of Numbers 6:24-26, a special blessing: “May the Lord bless and keep you, be kind and gracious to you, and give you peace.” It shows how important it is to send our loved ones off with love and good wishes.
Conclusion
Tobit 10:12 teaches us to treat our in-laws with love and respect, considering them part of our family. By looking at other parts of the Bible, we find similar wisdom that can guide us in our relationships. Let’s learn from Tobit’s advice, making an effort to love and understand our extended family, and may this inspire more love and unity in our lives.
References
Tobit 10:12
Proverbs 20:20
Genesis 2:24
Ephesians 4:2-3
Numbers 6:24-26
🌷Every morning, I am blessed with an inspiring wake-up call from His Excellency, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Selvister Ponnumuthan, the Bishop of Punalur in Kerala, India. Today’s blog post draws inspiration from the beautiful verses he shared in his morning message.
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Hey there! I just wanted to take a quick moment to express my gratitude for having such wonderful and caring people like you around. Your thoughtfulness and loving nature truly make a difference in the world. Keep shining bright and spreading that love! 💕
Amen! To be like Jesus is to love as He loves. Thank you as always.
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Blessings.
The Book of Tobit is not considered by all Christians to be in the Biblical canon but a part of Apocryphal books recognized by the Roman Catholic Church and others’ I however have found them to be helpful scripture as this teaching shows. And thankfully, I get along well with my inlaws!
It’s great to hear that you find value in the Book of Tobit, even if it’s not universally accepted across all Christian denominations. The diversity in perspectives on religious texts is a fascinating aspect of theological discussions. It’s wonderful that your relationship with your in-laws is positive, as mutual understanding and respect can be a source of strength in family dynamics.🤝
Yes—can be. My Dad, who was a Protestant Chaplain in a Psychiatric Center, would often pass along to me copies of Bibles and other texts. I so regret Not taking the Oxford edition of the Old, New Testaments and the Apochrypha with me during one of our several moves! I did read through the Book of Tobit several times for study of it.
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Amen!
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