So that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children . . .
Think about the most recent heated argument you experienced. Often, these don’t take place in your workplace or with your friends. The place we often have our most heated arguments is with family. We can easily press each other’s buttons in a way that no one else does. We can go from zero to one hundred with little things and respond with an outburst or silent bitterness. Due to the proximity of family, conflict is bound to arise, but it does not have to be the defining factor of our relationships. In Christ, we can love one another even when we are mad and disagree. We can exemplify unconditional love to our children so that they can see Christ at work.
This takes time and the power of the Holy Spirit to help us reconcile when we offend or hurt one another, but it is possible! In fact, it is more than possible: it is our calling. In John 13:34-35 Jesus said, “I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another.” This is our calling in all areas of our lives, even and especially to those that we live with and see every day. Is this true in your home?
- What family members do you struggle to love? Why?
- How do you respond when you have conflict with family members? What are some ways you could love others even in disagreement?
- Pray and ask God for His supernatural love to invade your home and family through the power of the Holy Spirit.
