Ephesians 4:32 — … be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one
another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.
Ephesians 5:1 — Therefore be
imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and
gave himself up for us.
Ephesians 5:4 — Fathers, do not provoke your children
to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the
Lord.
Ephesians 5:22 — Wives, be subject to your husband as you are to the
Lord.
Ephesians 5:25 — Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the
church and gave himself up for her.
Ephesians 6:1-4 — Children, obey your
parents in the Lord.
Paul’s writings to the Ephesians provide us with
instruction about how to live together in families. However, all too often
Paul’s advice falls on deaf ears. Many specialists say that families have
deteriorated over the past decades. Children are not being shown how to love
and are turning to peers for that feeling of security and acceptance that they
do not find in their families, often with tragic ends. Spouses become estranged,
hurt each other and separate.
The product of dysfunctional families
affects the whole society. Any of us can cite a laundry list of problems caused
when families do not love and care for each other. When we read or hear the news
about the evils occurring in society, we wonder “Where is God?” God has not
moved; He is the same yesterday today and forever. It is individuals who have
moved away from God and his love and instruction. They do not experience God’s
unselfish love, and thus cannot give unconditional love to anyone else, even in
their families.
But, thankfully there are those who value family. During
the past two weeks, I have had the opportunity to see how two people exercised
God’s love in their families and communities. I have experienced two funerals
where the deceased persons loved their families and loved God. Charlie had been
married for almost 65 years and had raised two devoted Christian children. His
daughter and four of his grandchildren spoke at the funeral service about
Charlie’s devotion to family and his love for each of them. Pictures displayed
prior to the service testified the great joy that Charlie’s family provided to
him and he to them.
In the other case, a Godly woman planned that at her
funeral a polished stone that had been engraved with the word “Joy” be given to
each attendee. She wanted her family and friends to experience the joy that she
had felt through her Christian experiences. She preferred that they celebrate
her life and not be too sad at her passing. This woman, Marilyn, had been an
inspiration to her family, her church and her community. She created activities
that brought her family together to share creative activities and make memories.
She was a giving, unselfish person who was devoted to her children and her
grandchildren. She also gave of herself to the church and the community in which
she lived. Anyone who knew her felt her love, kindness and warmth.
These two
examples of lives well lived could serve as an inspiration for everyone.
Contrast these families with the dysfunctional ones we read and hear about. What
makes the difference? God makes the difference. Families experience many
stresses, communication issues, misunderstandings, heartaches, illnesses and
other problems. We are not guaranteed a bed of roses. However, God’s love and
grace can give families the tools they need to cope successfully with whatever
life brings. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians gives us the wisdom we need to build
strong families.
Prayer: Our Father in heaven, you have given us the
ultimate example of unselfish love by sending your son to die for our sins. We
praise you for your love and forgiveness. Help us give of ourselves to our
families and grow in love and the ability to forgive. Amen.
Maudie
Karickhoff
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