"Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection." Colossians 3:12-14
Paul was writing this letter to the Christians in the Colossian church. To me this is an ongoing reminder to us today on how to keep in-check with Who we belong to. We don't just walk around as our own person once we are born-again, we are a light to the world.
As a young wife and mother I read that this walk begins in our own home with our family. I took steps in learning and growing in God's wisdom; accepting my imperfections and knowing that Jesus lives in me and He is the only perfect one. He makes me look good even on my worst days. When I would fall short of having a godly reaction to a situation I had to keep asking for God's forgiveness and striving to be more like Jesus in every way. I needed Christ's love to shine through me and spill out onto them (always a work in progress but so worth striving for).
I want to encourage you to embrace these verses and live them out to your family. No matter the situation, the disagreement or the differences that may arise, put on love! Practice giving mercy, kindness, humility, meekness and long suffering. When you give that to your husband it trickles down onto your children. You are to be a witness to each of them and you will notice the atmosphere in your home will change. You are the one who sets the mood in your home even when you don't feel like you're making an impression.
I remember I would pray for God's peace to flow through the walls of our home (sometimes before I even got out of bed each morning). Some days I would walk through our home and quietly pray as I entered each room. Don't expect miracles just believe in the Miracle Worker. He is so good.
When you make this a practice in your heart and in your home, over time you will live it outside your home naturally. Be a light!
"For God, who said, "Let there be light in the darkness," has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ." (2 Cor.4:6)
I love you & He loves you more!
Lord, "You are the light of the world--like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden."
(Matt. 5:14) May I let Your light shine in my home and as I go on my way. Help me to show love to those who need it most. In Jesus' name. Amen