I’m thankful you want to bring peace to your family, and I certainly hope you’ll do whatever you can to re-establish your family’s ties. God gave our families to us, and He wants them to be a source of love and strength. The Bible says, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1, NKJV).

What can you do? First, pray for your family—not only that they’ll overcome their hostility or indifference, but that they’ll discover the peace and joy that God wants to give them by opening their hearts and lives to Jesus Christ. No matter what’s happened in the past, God is able to help us overcome it through His forgiveness and love.

Then reach out to them. It may be in small ways at first—a birthday card, an email or note letting them know you’re thinking of them, a telephone call, etc. Later on, you might invite some of them for a picnic or special holiday (such as Thanksgiving). Even if some of them don’t respond, it’s important to make the effort.

Sadly, family conflicts are almost as old as the human race (see Cain and Abel in Genesis 4:1-16). But when we know Christ, He gives us a new love for others, and a new desire to overcome these conflicts. Make sure of your commitment to Christ, and then ask Him to help you be a peacemaker in your family—and beyond.

Trust Christ for your eternity.