Overflowing Love in Family Life

There are often many things overflowing in our family life and too often it isn’t love that is overflowing…it is frustration, irritability, impatience and self. These arise from many different facets of life: hurt, disappointment and expectations play a role, but many times it is because we try to squeeze too much in an already busy life and we end up neglecting the most important things in life.

If not attentive, we neglect our personal relationship with God, we seek not His counsel nor His strength and wisdom and we begin to face the world and our family with our strength and wisdom. We are then weary and lack the energy and time it takes to develop that quality and connecting relationship with our spouse and children. Therefore, we aren’t well equipped to deal with the frustrations that come our way and lack the ability to communicate in a positive manner that encourages our family rather than deflate them.

Michael’s challenge to us yesterday from 1 John 4:7-12 must first begin at home. Learning to celebrate together in family life brings about an oneness of worship. To care for one another in carrying one another’s burdens and exhorting another will build a solid foundation of trust and honor. We have the opportunity to listen for God’s direction and look for God moments to minister and meet needs in the family unit. Families who have learned to minister within the home are quick to notice the needs of those outside the home.

In order for all of that to happen , it will demand us prioritizing our life to the important and not the urgent…there will always be things that scream for your attention and you will find yourself empty before the day is done if there is not a filling of God’s presence and His love continually in your life.

Last week I heard a definition of love that stuck with me: “Love is giving another what they need the most, when they deserve it the least at great personal cost.” That is exactly what Jn 3:16 states….God giving salvation to you and me (what we need the most) and Romans 5:6-8 stating “while we were yet sinners” (when we deserve it the least), Christ died for us (at great personal cost).

As Paul stated, we also pray: “May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.” – 1 Thess. 3:12 . Take time this week to allow God to pour His love into your life that you might be able to give your family what they need most, when they deserve it the least, realizing it will cost you something.

Grateful,
Marty