LOVE IN FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother' — which is the first commandment with a promise — so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth. Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." – Ephesians 6:1-4 (NIV) Family is God’s first institution, designed to reflect His love, order, and grace. In a world where relationships are often strained, God calls families to be places of love, discipline, and godly nurture. The relationship between parents and children is not just a social structure; it is a divine framework that mirrors our relationship with God. When children honor their parents, they align with God’s command, receiving both His blessing and wisdom for life. Likewise, parents have a responsibility to lead with love, training their children in God’s ways, not with harshness but with patience and grace. Jesus, though fully God, submitted to His earthly parents, setting an example of humility and honor (Luke 2:51). His obedience to the Father’s will ultimately led to our salvation. In the same way, the love and submission that exist within a godly family should mirror our relationship with Christ. A family rooted in God's love cultivates patience, forgiveness, and mutual respect, creating an environment where faith thrives. Yet, family love is not always easy. Broken relationships, misunderstandings, and pain often threaten unity. But in Christ, healing and restoration are always possible. The gospel reminds us that just as God is patient with us, we must extend grace to one another. Love in family is not about perfection but about reflecting Christ’s selfless love; choosing kindness over resentment, encouragement over criticism, and reconciliation over division. If family relationships are strained, take them to God in prayer. Whether as a parent, child, sibling, or spouse, we are all called to love sacrificially, relying on Christ’s example and strength. His Spirit empowers us to honor, serve, and forgive. Through Him, families can be places of peace, healing, and discipleship. Love within the family is a testimony to the world. A home built on Christ’s love stands firm amidst life’s storms. Whether in small acts of service, words of encouragement, or moments of patience, choose to reflect God’s love in your family. Let His grace shape your home into a place of warmth, honor, and spiritual growth. Meditate! Am I honoring God in my family relationships? How can I reflect Christ’s love in my home? Pray! Lord, help me to love and honor my family as You have loved me. Give me grace to be patient, humble, and forgiving. Let my home reflect Your presence and bring glory to Your name. Amen. Act! Reach out to a family member today with a word of encouragement or an act of kindness. If there’s tension, take a step toward reconciliation. Read! Colossians 3:13-14, 1 Peter 4:8, Luke 2:51, Proverbs 17:17. God’s love begins at home. As we love our families well, we reflect His heart to the world. A Christ-centered family is a powerful witness to God’s faithfulness, grace, and redemption. Let your home be a place where His love dwells and overflows! SpiritWord × February 20, 2025 (C) Oluremi. OmuAjose, Ijebu. = Thank you for receiving The Word. To get it directly on WhatsApp, please follow our channel http://bit.ly/40W151F. Join us TODAY online via https://bit.ly/41dqnIJ or onsite at 5:30pm (WAT) as we gather for "CHRISTIAN ATTITUDES & LIFESTYLE". You can also be part of CAMPUS KINGDOM DECREES every Thursday at 4am (WAT). Don’t miss it! For Counselling and/or Intercession, kindly mail [email protected]. Know someone looking to build a solid foundation in their Christian walk? Encourage them to join the Believers' Foundational Class! For details, email [email protected]. To get updates, partner/donate and other inquiries related to our ministry operations, please reach us via mail or Whatsapp. See you at 20:45 (NGR) for BUILDUP. https://bit.ly/4jDJORV.