Questions: New Testament, husband’s sister

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Grandpa,
My name is (withheld by Grandpa). I am the pastor at (Grandpa does not reveal personal information about readers). Normally I agree with what you say in your column, however, I must take exception to one comment you made. You said that the Old Testament proves the New Testament. (See The Voice, August 1, 2019). Actually, the Old Testament is no longer taught because it has been replaced by the Advent of Christ. Christ nullified the Old Testament. Man is no longer saved by works; he is saved by grace. Just thought you might want to print a retraction. God bless you.

Grandpa says: Thank you, Pastor, for your letter. What I had said was that the Old Testament proves the New Testament to be true. The coming of Christ did not wipe out the history of man, nor of God’s works. Actually, his coming did not even remove the basic laws of nature that God created. What his coming did do was remove from man the burden of works and replace it with love. I agree with you, that is a very important point in the Christian religions. I bid you peace.

Grandpa,
When I met the man who recently became my husband, his nickname was “Squirrel”. He said his father called him that when he was little because he always kept things in his pockets. He still does. And I have called him squirrel many times when we are alone together. At our rehearsal dinner his sister heard me say that name to him and got all over my case. I had never met his sister before the rehearsal because she refused to meet me. She made a big scene about I am disrespecting the memory of her father. I was very embarrassed by her rants. At the wedding, when the judge asked if anyone knew just cause as to why this couple should not be wed, (sister) stood up and said she does. She would not say why, just that we should not be married. The judge ignored her and continued on with the ceremony. After the kiss, my husband went over to his sister to inform her quietly that if she shows up at the reception, he will have her arrested. I was so proud of him! My question is, how do I proceed in dealing with her?

Grandpa says: You married him, not his sister. If she does not want a sister-in-law, that is her right. She is the one losing out. You have no reason to have been embarrassed by her tantrums. She does not speak for her late father; she speaks for herself. She obviously has issues that need to be addressed by a professional. Do yourself and your husband a huge favor. Do not reach out to her. Don’t let her issues infect your life. If your husband chooses to keep in touch with his sister, that is his privilege. It is up to you to not change your lifestyle to accommodate a hater. Be yourself. Never bad-mouth her, never incite any incidents. Live in peaceful harmony.

Got something stuck in your craw? Ask Grandpa. Address your letters to Ask Grandpa c/o The Voice, PO Box 123, Aurora, IL 60507 or send an E-mail to askgrandpa@thevoice.us.

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