Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. —Romans 12:10

Click here to read today’s Scripture: Romans 12:9-16

In 2010, during a visit to a village to see one of the families I regularly met with to encourage, counsel, pray, and share the Word of God, one of the young men said he would like to spend the weekend with my family. I told him, “Sure, once it’s okay with your parents.” So, the arrangements were made, and I picked him up at the terminal the following Friday. I also used to do home visits on Saturdays starting at 5:00 a.m. for prayers, and the young man asked and was welcomed to accompany me.

That Sunday evening, while I was driving him back to the bus terminal, he said, “Mr. Robert, I enjoyed my weekend at your house. I learned what the difference is between a house and a home. I noticed that even if you had differences, they were resolved amicably and not treated like a  big issue.” I have never forgotten that moment and how it brought tears to my eyes as, without us realizing it, because we displayed genuine love as a family, we were a good example to him. The ministry time was important, but what had the most impact on him was spending time with our family.

The Lord invented the family unit in the Garden of Eden, and even nonbelievers long for healthy families. Paul says we should “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another (Romans 12:10). This should begin with family love between parents and children and wives and husbands.

Love in the home is important for our body and soul. It promotes well-being as it fosters a sanctuary that nurtures us. It is a haven from the outside world,  it enhances our daily life, and it gives us a place to share Christ’s love with others.

Reflect: Is your house a love-filled Christian home? Do forgiveness, hope, happiness, and godly purpose flourish there?

Prayer Starter:

Dear Lord, please give my family so much love and joy in our home that our friends and neighbors can’t help but notice You in us. Draw others to yourself through us.

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