PRACTICAL LOVE IN THE FAMILY
Dear Reader,
Welcome to this exciting month of April. This month will be a month of increase for you and your family in Jesus’ name. This week, I will be sharing the subject ‘Practical Love in the Family’.
According to Advanced Learner Dictionary, Love is defined as ‘Warm liking or affection’. It is also described as affectionate devotion. Someone said, “Love is what makes a house a home.” Love is a major requirement in building and transforming your house into a family. The type of love I am relating with you is the God-kind of love; that is, Agape love or unconditional love, not the love that expects things in return. This unconditional love looks past your faults and shortcomings, just like God did not wait for us to be perfect before sending His Son to die for us. Therefore, we are to walk in His stead by loving our spouse, children, friends, and neighbours unconditionally.
The Agape love, which is God-kind of love, is poured into our hearts by the Holy Ghost when we are born again (Romans 5:5). This God kind of love is supernatural. Therefore, the need for this love cannot be underestimated because we live in a world where selfishness is prevailing and marriages are disintegrating like a pack of cards, and as such, children are neglected and abused in various ways. We all desire love, and the Lord showed this to be a healthy desire when He asked: Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? (John 21:15).
Furthermore, love is not love until it is expressed. God expressed His love for us by giving His most precious possession – His Son (John 3:16). So, we become complete by giving out love to others.
Examining Practical Love as it Relates to the Husband.
What is the proof that you truly love your spouse and children? What have you given them lately in demonstration of your love for them? THINK ABOUT IT! The Bible says: Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it (Ephesians 5:25). This love must be felt by all members of the family; therefore, it is not optional but mandatory. The Word instructs husbands to love their wives sacrificially and unconditionally despite their shortcomings. Until you comply with this commandment, you may never taste fulfilment in your family life. When you, as the head, exhibit unconditional love to all the members of your family, you make it easy for them to respond in total submission to you. Nobody resists love, and no one hates to be loved. As you begin to love them in your ways, not minding their errors, they will begin to respond to you, and your family harmony will be kept aflame, radiating the glory of God.
Also, note that Christ’s love for His Church is based on her obedience and offences (Romans 5:8). Your family could become a place where joy, laughter, excitement, and peace are the order of the day. It can be the family God created it to be. Just make it a point to love, not only by saying it but by showing it.
However, until you are born again, you cannot walk in love. You get born again by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. If you are set for this, please say this prayer: Dear Lord, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Now, I know I am born again!
Congratulations, you are now born again and a child of God. He loves you and will never leave or forsake you. With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace, in Jesus’ name! Please, write or call to share your testimonies with me through oyedepofaitha@gmail.com OR 08141320204.
For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian Bookstores, Building a Successful Family, Raising Godly Children, Success in Marriage (Co-Authored with Bishop David Oyedepo).
