Who's In Charge Here? A Series on Authority
Saturday, February 7, 2004
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My Prayer Today
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for your love for me. Thank you for sending Jesus into the world to be my Savior. I ask that you would help me to love those who are within my household. Help me to love my spouse the way that you want me to. Help me to respect them through the things I say and do. Help me to see them as you see them. I can only do this because you first have loved me Jesus. May I live in your love this day. Use me for your glory I pray. . . Amen.
Bible Verses
Ephesians 6:4b ". . . Don't make your children angry by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction approved by the Lord."
Ephesians 5:25 "And you husbands must love your wives with the same love Christ showed the church. . ."
Ephesians 5:33 "So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband."
Reflecting on God's Word
What is the commandment that Paul gives in the last half of Ephesians 6:4? How do you think Ephesians 5:25,33 relate to this verse?
Does both parents loving each other help or hinder bringing children up with the discipline and instruction approved by the Lord? How?
When parents do not love each other, does this facilitate instruction that is approved by the Lord? Why?
A Deeper Exploration of God's Word
How do parents love one another (see 1 Cor. 13)?
How does a husband love his wife (according to Eph. 5:25) as Christ loves his church?
How does a wife love her husband (according to Eph. 5:33)?
Understanding God's Purpose for Us
If God desires parents to instruct and discipline their children as he wants, is it possible for them to do this completely if they cannot follow him in loving one another? Why?
How do children learn about God's love when they see their parents loving one another?
Applying God's Word to Our Lives
Do you love your spouse? Is it backed up with words and actions?
Do your children know that you love your spouse? How do they know?
What is one thing you can do today to show your spouse that you love them? And what is one thing you can do today to show your children that you love your spouse?
Thoughts
It was once said that the best thing that a father can do for his children, is to love their mother. One aspect that often gets neglected in the areas of teaching on raising children, is parents loving each other. As we have seen in Ephesians 5:25,33 that parents are commanded to love one another. In fact, I believe that one could do well in just about every area of spiritual discipline and instruction, but if the home is not one in which parents love each other, the children will not be fully instructed. The parent's example of how one should love another, reflects in many ways in how the child later comes to understand the love of God. Of course there are many Christians today that have a proper understanding of God despite having parents who didn't really love each other, but generally speaking, their bad relationship did not contribute to this proper understanding of God.
Parents, it is a powerful example to your children when you demonstrate love to your spouse. When they see that you encourage, listen, build each other up, and treat each other with kindness, gentleness, and respect, this does more to instruct them the truths about God's love than we could ever imagine. Now I realize that not every parent has the benefit of having a loving, or godly spouse. This is why it is wise for those who are looking to be married, to find a strong Christian mate. But if you find yourself parenting "alone" – remember that God will give you grace to work in the situation you are in. If you have been divorced, do know that it will have an effect on your children (this is why God hates divorce), but there is also forgiveness. Divorce is not the "unpardonable sin!" But in the setting you are in right now, whether in marriage, single, or in re-marriage, you need to love those who are in your household. Children need to grow up in a household of love – this is the greatest instruction that parents could ever give their children. When you love your spouse, in doing so, you are also loving your children – remember that!