RAISING FAMILIES OF LOVE, No. 3 continuing.

Before we say a word against our fellowman, we should ask ourselves these two great and important questions:

1. Do I have fervent love for this brother or sister in Christ, or even outside of Christ?
2. Will the things I say prove that I have fervent love for this person?

Romans 5:8: "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:6 tells us that "in due time Christ died for the ungodly."

It is our responsibility as parents to teach by example what it means to lay down our lives for one another (1 John 3:16). To slay one another with our words is definitely not laying down our lives for them.

In our marriages and family lives we should use our mouths to build up, encourage, and honor one another. We begin in the home before we can demonstrate to the outside world.

At the cross, Jesus did not cry out to His Father in Heaven, "Father, look how much they hate me. Look how much they have beaten me. Look how much they have spoken against me. Look how much they spit on me. Look at how much shame they have heaped upon me by nailing me to this horrible cross." No!

He did not say, "Father destroy them for they deserve the deepest hell." No! Oh no!

Instead, He cried out: "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34).

What amazing love and grace that teaches us who have gladly received such love and forgiveness to say nothing less than Jesus did to those with whom we disagree or who have hurtfully wronged us.

If our love is not fervent enough to cover (refuse to look upon) a multitude of sins against us by anyone-be it husband, wife, children, friends, or enemies-can we admit that we need to earnestly seek God for a revival of this fervent love to fill our hearts and souls right now?

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell