“Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”
Matthew 18:19-20 NKJV
Welcome to the 6th weekly devotional recap of the year. This week, we learned about the believer’s love walk with emphasis on the family.
On Monday we learned about God’s plan for the family. The concept of family is more than just a system adopted in society; it is God-designed! Through the Family, we have the immediate support we need to optimally execute our purpose on earth (Genesis 2:18). Every member of a family has a vital role to play in executing God’s vision for the family (Ephesians 5:22-33, Ephesians 6:1).
Tuesday’s article instructed us to be our brother’s keeper. We practise the faith we profess by the demonstration of unconditional love towards people, especially fellow believers (Galatians 6:10). We are members of one body, and our love and care for one another keeps the body healthy and growing in unity. We must live our lives with the consciousness that we owe it to others to love them just as Jesus loves us (Romans 13:8).
On Wednesday, we were instructed to honour our parents. By God’s command, it is a non-negotiable to always honour your parents in whatever situation you may find yourself (Ephesians 6:2-3). We honour our parents by forgiving them of their imperfections, respectfully addressing differences, speaking well of them and taking care of them to the best of our abilities. This is a command with a promise of a long life.
On Thursday, we learned that a family that prays together stays together. The family is the smallest unit of the local church and is important to God’s agenda. Praying together as a family is one major way to build strong Christian homes. This practice strengthens unity, kills strife and ill feelings, and enables love, respect and patience in families. By this also, we put to effect the power made available when we pray together (Matthew 18:19-20).
Friday’s article taught us how to handle hurt, offences and betrayal in families. We must understand that offences and hurt are inevitable, however not intentional, because of our differences. Nevertheless, our first disposition should be to forgive, understanding that Jesus forgave us much more than anyone could ever do to us. Also so we do not give the devil any opportunity to sow seeds of discord among us (Ephesians 4:26-27).
Dear believer, you have a part to play in contributing to the health and unity of your family; walk in love, honour and respect towards the members of your family, be quick to forgive offences, and encourage the culture of praying together.
Bible Reading Plan Catchup