Timmerie and Michael Gasparro explore a topic that hits home during the season: loving family members who may not follow Catholic teachings, without compromising your faith. The holidays can bring all the feels: 🎉 joy, nostalgia, awkwardness, and sometimes major family drama. But how do we handle those moments with grace?



Catch the whole hour here!



🎁 The Setup:



Timmerie starts it off by acknowledging that the holidays are a time for lights, generosity, and family… but also a minefield of tension. Think: judgment, unresolved debates, and that one uncle’s political hot takes.



Oh, and don’t forget the moral dilemmas: How do you love and welcome family living in “alternative lifestyles” while staying rooted in Catholic truth? (There's that inner conflict: "Am I endorsing this if I don’t say something?")



🍽 The Model: Jesus at the Table



Michael reminds us how Jesus set the ultimate example: He ate with sinners and tax collectors, shocking society. His approach? Radical love for the person without compromising the truth. It's about seeing the God-given dignity in everyone, even when their choices don’t align with Church teaching.



🏡 Key Takeaways for the Christmas Season:



Welcome Without Approval:



Inviting someone into your home doesn’t mean endorsing their choices. Timmerie shares a personal example of growing up in a home where everyone was welcome, including family in same-sex relationships. Yet it was clear their lifestyle wasn’t approved.



Kids can learn this balance, too! Loving others doesn’t have to mean moral confusion.



True Compassion vs. Fearful Compassion:



Father Jacques Philippe's wisdom: True compassion trusts that God loves your loved ones more than you do. Acting out of fear: approving harmful choices just to avoid conflict, ends up causing more harm. 🙏 Trust in God’s plan!



Be a Witness of Love and Joy:



Sometimes, the most powerful witness isn’t what you say, but how you live. Create a home full of peace, generosity, and hospitality. Let your actions reflect Christ’s love. 🌟



Know When to Speak and When to Wait:



Not every moment is the right moment for a “come-to-Jesus” talk. Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide you on when to speak truth, or when just showing love is enough for now. Patience is key.



Protect Young Hearts Prudently:



When kids are involved, discernment is extra important. If a family member’s behavior crosses respectful boundaries, it’s okay to set limits to protect your children while still showing love to all.



❤️ The Bigger Picture: Delight in Others



Michael emphasizes the power of delighting in others: not in their choices, but in their God-given goodness. People are transformed by love, not by condemnation. As Timmerie says, being loved and welcomed can open hearts in ways debates never will.



🌟 Final Thoughts: Love Transforms



This Christmas, be bold in love and truth. Remember, welcoming someone doesn’t mean you’re compromising your faith: it’s about reflecting God’s love. With prayer, discernment, and hospitality, your home can be a place of joy that points others to Christ. 🎄✨



PSA: Prepare yourself for that awkward family moment with prayer… and maybe pie. Always pie. 🥧

Timmerie and Michael Gasparro explore a topic that hits home during the season: loving family members who may not follow Catholic teachings, without compromising your faith. The holidays can bring all the feels: 🎉 joy, nostalgia, awkwardness, and sometimes major family drama. But how do we handle those moments with grace?
 
Catch the <a href="https://relevantradio.com/2024/11/loving-family-in-alternative-lifestyles/">whole hour here</a>!
 
🎁 The Setup:
 
Timmerie starts it off by acknowledging that the holidays are a time for lights, generosity, and family… but also a minefield of tension. Think: judgment, unresolved debates, and that one uncle’s political hot takes.
 
Oh, and don’t forget the moral dilemmas: How do you love and welcome family living in “alternative lifestyles” while staying rooted in Catholic truth? (There's that inner conflict: "Am I endorsing this if I don’t say something?")
 
🍽 The Model: Jesus at the Table
 
Michael reminds us how Jesus set the ultimate example: He ate with sinners and tax collectors, shocking society. His approach? Radical love for the person without compromising the truth. It's about seeing the God-given dignity in everyone, even when their choices don’t align with Church teaching.
 
🏡 Key Takeaways for the Christmas Season:
 
Welcome Without Approval:
 
Inviting someone into your home doesn’t mean endorsing their choices. Timmerie shares a personal example of growing up in a home where everyone was welcome, including family in same-sex relationships. Yet it was clear their lifestyle wasn’t approved.
 
Kids can learn this balance, too! Loving others doesn’t have to mean moral confusion.
 
True Compassion vs. Fearful Compassion:
 
Father Jacques Philippe's wisdom: True compassion trusts that God loves your loved ones more than you do. Acting out of fear: approving harmful choices just to avoid conflict, ends up causing more harm. 🙏 Trust in God’s plan!
 
Be a Witness of Love and Joy:
 
Sometimes, the most powerful witness isn’t what you say, but how you live. Create a home full of peace, generosity, and hospitality. Let your actions reflect Christ’s love. 🌟
 
Know When to Speak and When to Wait:
 
Not every moment is the right moment for a “come-to-Jesus” talk. Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide you on when to speak truth, or when just showing love is enough for now. Patience is key.
 
Protect Young Hearts Prudently:
 
When kids are involved, discernment is extra important. If a family member’s behavior crosses respectful boundaries, it’s okay to set limits to protect your children while still showing love to all.
 
❤️ The Bigger Picture: Delight in Others
 
Michael emphasizes the power of delighting in others: not in their choices, but in their God-given goodness. People are transformed by love, not by condemnation. As Timmerie says, being loved and welcomed can open hearts in ways debates never will.
 
🌟 Final Thoughts: Love Transforms
 
This Christmas, be bold in love and truth. Remember, welcoming someone doesn’t mean you’re compromising your faith: it’s about reflecting God’s love. With prayer, discernment, and hospitality, your home can be a place of joy that points others to Christ. 🎄✨
 
PSA: Prepare yourself for that awkward family moment with prayer… and maybe pie. Always pie. 🥧

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

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