Our World Revolved Around God

 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs^. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

I’ve heard this Bible verse many, many times in my life, since I can remember hearing about the word of God. Truthfully, I can say I did not know what love meant until I had to forgive. When I encountered God and truly repented, the love of God was so overwhelming that the only choice I had was to forgive— forgive anyone who’s ever hurt me, let me down, betrayed me, and all of the above.

Once we learn what forgiveness is and how to forgive, it becomes something that is part of us. Sincerely, in our home, it is something we must decide to do daily; love is not only a feeling. There must be some type of action; Jesus is the best example. God did not only say that He loves us; He demonstrated it at the cross of Calvary. So when we say “not just a feeling,” this is what we mean.

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13

As a child of God, if there is someone reigning over my home, it is Jesus! But not just saying it. How do I model love at home? I want to actually teach my children what love is. What does love look like at home today? I am asking myself this question at this very moment. I don’t only want feel-good messages but to live out the word of God. So, every day we have to choose to love; it can be in forgiving, also patience. I am remembering a couple of days ago my kids took crayons (thankfully washable), black and wine color, and drew all over our white walls. At first, I was shocked; honestly, I wanted to be upset, but I had to pause and show them forgiveness and patience. I called them over and explained we don’t draw on the walls and directed them to draw on their multiple drawing pads they had laying around.

It is our confidence that actually practicing the word of God is us teaching our children about love. Another way we decide to love at home is through serving each other. On the easy days, forgiving, showing patience, and serving one another can be done comfortably. But when the times are tough; bills need to be paid, kids have necessities, food is needed in the fridge, work is very demanding, the weight of being responsible adults on our shoulders—these can be soooo tough to execute, but not impossible. When we do something repeatedly I become our normal so in hard times we can remember what we should be doing. We are not perfect but are trying to reach perfection. Serving one another is very humbling; it means maybe doing something we are asked to do even if really don’t want to or too tired to do it, or just being there and helping out with whatever need. But it (love) is what keeps us going.

I pray for every reader today, every household including mine. Lord, help us to forgive, to listen, and to speak gently even when it’s difficult. God, you are our strength! Help us to choose love daily at home, and may your peace remain forever. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Blessings!

– Aianna M.