Scripture: The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 NIV
Observation: Peter tells us that the Lord doesn’t want anyone to die unrepentant.
Application: I believe that I have a great responsibility specifically to some family members and loved ones to continue to show Christlikeness before them. I know from scripture that my former life can interfere with how those who know me best accept or reject my witness, “…and they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, ‘Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honor.’ ” Matthew 13:57 NIV Don’t misunderstand, I’m not claiming to be Christ or a prophet, I just believe that, like Christ was rejected, I too can have a most difficult time convincing my loved ones to follow Christ. I can be a stumbling block that causes them to not come to repentance. So I must “mush on” and no matter how poor an example my earlier life was to my family and friends I must love them through that and live Christ before them because, “…he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9b NIV
Prayer: Father, it’s very difficult for me to share you with some of my family and friends–they know me! Help me to show you and not me so that they can know that life can be different living for you. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen
Doug
Instructions For Life According to Jesus Christ 
I have the same exact issues with convincing some of my loved ones as well. They seem determined not to listen to me since they know me. I realize we must pray for them and hope that they may come to the realization to follow Christ in some other way, since sometimes it feels like I do more damage than good!