The Christian Home (2) by Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Author: Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Topic: The Christian Home (2)

Dear Reader,

Shalom! Last week, I taught on: “What a Christian home is.” Today, I want to show you the Characteristics of a Christian home:

Christ-like manner

A family that is truly Christian is Christ-like, which means that its members will treat each other as each would like to be treated. The Word of God says: All things therefore whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do ye also unto them: for this is the law and the prophets (Matthew 7:12). While Jesus commanded this for all relationships, it certainly would have special bearing within a Christian family.

Every member of the family accepts Christ.

To each member of the family, the acceptance of Christ (being a Christian) will serve as a foundation on which the home is built.  When I say a Christian home, I mean a home where the people who dwell there are born-again Christians. It also means a home where everyone who resides there has accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and personal Saviour.


Accepting Scriptural responsibility.

A Christian home is a home where all who reside there accept their scriptural responsibility. The Christian father will not provoke his children to wrath, but will nurture them in the chastening and admonition of the Lord. This charge was made by the Apostle Paul to all Christian fathers, in his letter to the Church in Ephesus (Ephesians 6:4). The Christian son and daughter will obey their parents in the Lord (Ephesians 6:1-3). Jesus reaffirmed that ancient law: “Honour thy father and thy mother…” Then, He strongly rebuked the Scribes and Pharisees, who sought loopholes in the law and ways of avoiding it (Matthew 7:10-13; Mark 15:1-9).

Open honesty and integrity

A Christian home is one where open honesty and integrity are practised, without hypocrisy; thus, making possible complete confidence and trust. There is so much in the world that is artificial. There is so much hypocrisy in the world and in the actions of men. In the Christian home, all of this is excluded. It is very vital for you to know, therefore, that in a Christian home, there must be complete honesty on the part of parents with children and children with parents.

Hospitality

Hospitality is a willingness to share, with discernment, what God has given us, including our families, homes, finances and food. It is an attitude of stewardship, where we do not own anything, because we are merely the caretaker for the real Owner is God. He desires that we share His blessings and love, and comply out of reverence and gratitude to Him. In relationships, hospitality is honouring the boundaries of others, and sharing all we have without strings attached (Matthew 25:34-43; Luke 10:30-37; Romans 12:13, 16:3-16; 1 Timothy 5:10; Hebrews 13:1-3; 1 Peter 4:7-11; 3 John 5-8).

There is a catalyst that makes hospitality easy; it is called ‘brotherly love’.  The Word of God says: Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; …Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality (Romance 12:10, 13). This is what makes you want to reach out to others, and give them a helping hand.  It is what makes you to share what you have with others.

Brotherly love can find expression through giving.  It could be a cup of water, a meal, money, a warm smile or a listening ear, whatever is within your reach to give. Don’t eat all your food alone and drink all your water alone. Remember that the liberal soul shall be made fat (Proverbs 11:25). Hospitality is not really in what is given, but in the way it is given. Philemon ensured that he refreshed the bowels of the saints; thus, he could be called a true brother (Philemon 1:5-9).  As Christians, we are all brothers and sisters since we have the same Father; however, except we relate with one another on the basis of love, we cannot please Him.

This was the strength of the first century Church.  No one had a need. Those who had, eagerly distributed to others who had none; they had all things in common (Acts 2:44-45). As a result of this display of brotherly love, God’s power was evident in their midst.  You must be ready to be sold out to hospitality in your home; it’s the path to God’s presence. You can make it a point of duty to bring great joy and consolation to members of the household of faith.

The grace to practise the characteristics listed above only comes from God. If you are not yet a child of God, this grace is not available to you. If you desire to be a child of God, please say this prayer: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the living God. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.

If you prayed this simple prayer, you are now a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).

Congratulations! You are now born again! All-round rest and peace are guaranteed you, in Jesus’ Name. Call or write, and share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org, pstfaithoyedepo@gmail.com; OR 07026385437 and 08141320204.

For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building A Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).