The following series is based on a book written by Jeremy and Sushma Ballard, “Is Your Home a Jesus Home?” The book is available for purchase on Amazon (Paperback & eBook), Barnes & Noble (Paperback & eBook), and Apple Books (eBook). Every purchase helps to support Jesus Home Ministries and the work Jeremy and Sushma are doing.
Last time, we discussed how to live for Jesus by prioritizing Him and serving others. Today, we will explore what a loving family looks like according to God’s Word.
In order to have a family that aligns with God’s intention, we must fully surrender to the lordship of Jesus Christ. This is an everyday battle because, as long as we are here on earth, we will never be perfect. However, it should be our goal to strive for perfection. The closer we draw to God, the closer we will be to living in harmony with His will. Yet, as long as we live in this world, our sinful nature will continue to challenge us (Romans 7:15–25).
Even though our earthly families may sometimes hurt or betray us, God never will (Luke 21:16–19). Because we are human, we make mistakes. When conflicts arise, it is crucial to reconcile quickly to maintain unity and love (Matthew 5:23–26).
A loving family that honors God is one that serves Him wholeheartedly. Paul urges us in 1 Corinthians 1:10 to “agree and that there be no divisions among you.” This applies to both our earthly families and our spiritual family—the body of Christ. As followers of Jesus, we should be united in our commitment to Him and our love for one another.
Jesus reminds us in John 13:35, “By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another” If Jesus truly is our Lord, then we will love each other, leaving no room for hate. If we harbor hate, we are not fully loving God or making Jesus our Lord.
Here are some practical steps to cultivate a loving family:
- Surrender to Jesus daily: Make a conscious decision every day to submit your life and your family to Jesus.
- Strive for unity: Work together to maintain harmony and avoid divisions. Be of the same mind and spirit, focusing on what brings glory to God.
- Forgive quickly: When offenses occur, don’t let them linger. Seek reconciliation and forgiveness promptly to restore relationships.
- Serve one another: Make serving each other a priority. Show love in practical ways, helping with daily needs, and supporting one another emotionally and spiritually.
- Prioritize love: Above all, choose to love one another deeply. Make love the foundation of your family life, reflecting the love of Jesus in all interactions.
I encourage you, as a family, to read and study 1 John 4:7–21 together. Let this passage remind you of the importance of loving one another as God loves us.
Next time, we will wrap up this series on “Is Your Home a Jesus Home?”
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