In the New Testament God has given us so many instructions regarding living the Christian life, especially in our homes. It is very easy for us to pass over these commandments without thinking of how they really apply to ourselves. The Christian ideal for our homes and family life is in verse 32 of our reading. Here is one paraphrase: 'Become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tender-hearted, compassionate, understanding, and loving-hearted, forgiving one another readily and freely as God in Christ forgave you.' That is a very high standard, but it is possible through Christ. Being kind means being unselfish as well as thoughtful and thankful. It is doing something extra which isn't required. It is showing appreciation for all that is done for us. Some wives have said, 'I have never been thanked for any of the hundreds of meals I've cooked for the family.' Being kind and thoughtful helps to create a warm emotional climate in the home to which others will respond. Tender hearted means being sensitive to the weaknesses of others, a very great need in most families. It is so easy to be hard on others, isn't it? Yet in a Christian home surely we could expect love and tenderness - and even compliments! Forgiving one another. There is often so much to forgive even in the best of us, isn't there? It is true in many families. Relationships can turn sour over the smallest incident and bitterness can show its ugly head all too soon. If only we could forgive each other more often and more quickly as God does for us it would make such a difference. But saying 'I'm sorry' is sometimes very difficult for many of us. Remember when God forgives he forgets. Do we? Remember also that we don't have much time. These few years of family life together slip by so quickly. There is no 'replay' as a family, no re-run. It is now we need to act in a Christlike way. Can you make that your prayer today? |
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