Happy Family (Part 1) By Pastor Faith Oyedepo
Topic: Happy Family (Part 1)
Dear Reader,
I welcome you to this wonderful month and I count it a great privilege to share a few thoughts of God’s Word with you today. We understand that experiencing happiness in the home is God’s desire for every family. The family is one of God’s most wonderful gifts to mankind. It is a treasure worth cherishing and sustaining. But despite the fact that it is God’s desire for your family to be happy, it is still your responsibility to work it out yourself. Apostle Paul said: …work out your own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12). In this series, we will be looking at Love: A Requirement for A Happy Family.
Love is not a mysterious emotion that two people fall into or out of for no apparent reason; it is a seed that must be sown and nurtured. Love is care and consideration directed towards another person, not just an ethereal emotion. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a says: Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth, not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth…
Also Read: Clear Principles for a Blissful Marriage (Part 2) By Pastor Faith Oyedepo
Love is a binding force that holds the family together. If you are not in love with your spouse and children, there is nothing to bind the relationship together. Love is the master key and the foundation to a happy family. Love is not only a decision but also an instruction from God and His instructions are as valid today as ever. However, to follow such godly instructions is a personal choice. But its resultant effect is seen by all. No shame comes from following God’s instructions; it only secures benefits and lasting rewards.
The kind of love I am talking about here is not just the love expressed after sex. Though romance is a good thing, but it’s not the kind of love that makes a marriage strong. It’s not the “love” on which a marriage is founded. There is a far greater love than this. The love I’m referring to is sacrificial and selfless love. Jesus Christ, our perfect example, demonstrated how to show true love. He exemplified God’s love for mankind through His focus on self-sacrifice, the seeking of the well-being and benefit of others at one’s own expense. That is true love and it brings happiness in the family.
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it. Ephesians 5:25
Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives. 1 Peter 3:1
The scriptures above advise that husband and wife must learn to work together in marriage by showing respect and love for each other. Establishing a family in an atmosphere of love and respect gives the newly married a foundation upon which to build their life together happily.
Love in the family begins with having a relationship with God, the One who instituted the family for a place of happiness. Do you wish to invite Him into your home? You need to be born again. This is done by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour. If you are already born again, rejoice because your case is settled. If you are not born again yet and you desire to do so right now, please pray this prayer with faith in your heart: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.
Congratulations! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are now born again and 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). With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace in Jesus’ name! Call or write to share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org, 07026385437 OR 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).
“Please click HERE to read other inspiring articles by Pastor Faith Oyedepo”
Pastor Faith Oyedepo is the wife of Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide a.k.a. Winners’ Chapel, and Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Nigeria.
