Its walls are patrolled day and night against invaders,
but the real danger is wickedness within the city…
It is not an enemy who taunts me—
I could bear that.
It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me—
I could have hidden from them.
Instead, it is you—my equal,
my companion and close friend.
What good fellowship we once enjoyed
as we walked together to the house of God. Psalm 55:10, 12-14

We can lock our doors at night against intruders, but sometimes the biggest danger we face is ourselves. We can be our own worst enemies by how we treat each other in our families, being touchy, unforgiving, proud, fault-finding, and simply mean. If the enemy can wear us down from within, all the better for him. Let’s set a standard of righteousness in our relationships within our families and among our friends, giving each other our best and, in return, protecting ourselves from defeat and division.

Father,

Give me the capacity to love those closest to me, to never betray them, to remain committed to the relationship and to keep the peace between us. Keep me from contempt and a critical heart. Expand my capacity to forgive, and make me always ready to rejoice in their successes. Protect the relationships within my family and close friends, for they are a gift from you. May our agreement be strong and may our prayers of agreement avail much for the Kingdom of God. May we continually fight for each other’s highest possible good. Teach us to truly love one another. 

Amen