Through the stress of busy schedules and mundane living, sometimes the passion for our loved ones or the heart of service of our kids begins to falter. If that dimming of passion isn't addressed, it can lead to serious problems in the family dynamic. Unfortunately, we can't make the necessary changes ourselves. We need God to change our hearts. Fortunately, God is in the business of making families functional.
We hear a lot about dysfunctional families, but what about functional families? What does a healthy family look like? The most fundamental sign of a healthy family is an attitude of service. The husband serves the wife and she serves him. Together they serve the children and children learn to serve the parents. Does that sound like your family?
You don't have to possess warm feelings for your spouse in order to serve him or her, but you do need an intimate relationship with God. God does not want you to serve out of duty but out of a heart that has been touched by His love. Through you, God's love flows to bless your family. It all beings with a prayer: "Father, give me the attitude of Christ toward my family."
Take some time to pray individually or as a couple. As you pray:
- Thank God for bringing your loved one into your life;
- Ask Him to give you the wisdom to understand your feelings toward your loved ones;
- Ask Him to flow His love through you to your family.
Take more time to reflect:
Does your family have an attitude of service? Explain.
What's the difference between loving your loved one and being "in love" with your spouse?
Why is it important not to let feelings dictate your actions toward your spouse?
Consider these passages for further study of God's love:
Zephaniah 3:17 The Lord your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Romans 8:37-39 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I John 4:7-8 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
I Samuel 10:9 9 As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul’s heart, and all these signs were fulfilled that day.
Great thoughts and devotion of Gary Chapman where help us bring to focus on our priorities with our loved ones. Focusing on improving and serving others always takes an evaluation to see how you can improve.