Genesis 16:9
Then the Angel of the Lord said to her, "Return to your mistress and submit yourself to her authority."
God told Hagar to change her attitude. It was Hagar's negative attitude toward Sarai that caused Sarai's mistreatment of Hagar, that Hagar was running away from. As a purchased slave in that time and culture, Hagar knew that Sarai was her boss, and had the authority of life and death over her. Today we don't understand that, but Hagar did. It was not just dysfunction that she introduced into this family by her attitude, it could have been very dangerous to her, as well. But a key to healing relationships lay with the one who first decided to react negatively to family members. When Hagar changed her attitude and returned to Sarai and submitted to her authority over her, then the family was able to function again.
I need to always be careful to watch my own attitudes, and not automatically react to others negatively. I need to pause and remember to consider how my response will be received. I don't want to be the one to cause any family or friendship problems.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
