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NURTURING LOVE IN THE FAMILY

INTRODUCTION

The Bible has special attention to family. From the very beginning, God Himself laid the foundation of human life with the image of a family. Even God Himself uses the concept of marriage in His relationship with believers. He reveals himself as the bridegroom and the church as the bride. It is true that family is the starting line for the realization of the kingdom of God in this world. From the family will be born new generations, that is why as Christian families, we take an important position to deliver and grow generations who have  fear of God.

The family is the display of the kingdom of God that demonstrates true love to the world. How the world can understand God's love, one of the ways is by the establishment of the families who have fear of God.  Meaning that the world can undergo a transformation and it starts from a Christian family, a family that knows God.

DISCUSSION

Here are some practical things to see a transformation in a Christian family.

1. Treating one another better than today

One of the greatest tests in forming our character and our families is how we treat others. The Lord Jesus says this in Luke 6:31, “And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.”

In order to see our families being blessed and enjoying the joy of God, we need to treat anyone in the family better than the days before. Every day we need to ask for guidance and strength from God to serve more, to sacrifice more, and to be patient more. Imagine if every member of the family realizes it and takes responsibility to serve each other, then all of our household will see the presence of God.

The best place to train this important character is in our own family. Do our best to respect and love one another. Habituating how parents love children and respect them, how husbands prove their love for wives by real action. This will be a powerful material in building a healthy family. Ask God's wisdom and strength to begin to instill a habit of mutual respect from simple things, such as saying "thank you, sorry, or help." And many more simple words that can bring peace to our family.

2. Provide a special time for listening and caring

One of the important needs for human life is the need to be heard. It becomes important because all humans need to be heard. This need is very necessary to be fulfilled even every day. In His ministry, the Lord Jesus did likewise, He listened more to those whom He would be served. The Bible does not mention this specifically. For example, on the way to Emmaus (Luke 24: 13-35) the Lord Jesus did not speak much, He listened more. The more we listen, the more we understand the way and the concept of thinking of the person who talks to us. Thus, we are not too easy to assume and it helps us to minimize misunderstandings between one another. Indeed it is not easy to learn to listen, because if we only listen without pay attention, it won’t change anything at all. Listening attentively and building good communication will greatly help create a healthy relationship with family. If we look at the key verse in this discussion: "... patience bears all things." It means that when we hear and care for the family more, we are showing God's love.

3. Do not stop witnessing God's goodness

The strongest fuel for the family to go forward to God's call is the testimony. The testimony of God's help experienced by each family member can be a reminder that God has helped and will continue to help forever. The Bible says, "Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken."(Eccl 4:12). The testimony of  husbands will strengthen their wives, God's help for parents will raise faith over their children and vice versa. Even when there is any family member who has not believed yet, he or she will be thrilled with a testimony of God’s help. Testimony is a wonderful weapon that can be used to win a family. Testimony can silence the demon's intimidation of broken families. Always remember that our testimonies can be used by God to bring our family to know the Lord Jesus.

CONCLUSION

The family is a simple picture of God's relationship with his people. Everyone can find God's perfect love if the family carries out roles and responsibilities In line with God's word. It's never too late to fight to win our family. Each of us is the key to create a family who has fear of God. Ask God to give us more power and wisdom to love our families.