Happy Family (Part 4) By Pastor Faith Oyedepo
Topic: Happy Family (Part 4)
Dear Reader
You are most welcome to another interesting edition of these series of teachings. I started this teaching series on happy family and so far we have learned about love the foundation for a happy family. I also said that love is the master key and the foundation of a happy family. Love is not just of words or feelings, it is a decision expressed in deeds, and has to be worked out by members of the family. This week I will be sharing with you some hindrances/attitudes that can cause unhappiness in the family.
Bitterness
This is the seed that breeds from unforgiveness. The Bible says: Looking diligently lest any man fails of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled (Hebrews 12:15). The term “springing up” connotes a thing that starts small and then gradually explodes. Bitterness starts from very little things. Perhaps, your spouse or a family member has done something that hurt you and you refuse to forgive him or her. Every remembrance of the incident brings pain to you. Watch it! That’s a root of bitterness springing up gradually. As a husband or wife, learn to forgive your spouse immediately if not, it will ultimately trouble the peace of your home. Unforgiveness has many negative effects ranging from loss of peace and rest to falling short of God’s grace. Not only does it trouble individuals, but it also goes beyond that to defile the person (Acts 8:23). Unforgiveness and bitterness torment and it opens the door to certain devourers such as poverty, barrenness, sickness, etc., in the family. Now that we know the effects of unforgiveness and bitterness, wisdom demands that we properly handle them in order to experience a happy and successful family.
Also Read: Dominion In Your Family Life (Part 3) By Pastor Faith Oyedepo
Ingratitude
Ingratitude is the act of taking someone’s act of benevolence for granted. In our context, it is failing to acknowledge or appreciate acts of kindness of your spouse. This act is very common among the women folk; they tend not to appreciate their husband’s provision for the family. They believe that it is the responsibility of the husband; so, they use words like “Is this all you can do?”, instead of saying thank you. Some husbands too out of arrogance fail to appreciate their wives for their financial and homely support, and such is very bad. Therefore, every act of goodness done in the home by any member of the family must be appreciated and then you will see how exciting your marriage will become. Appreciating one another’s act in the family goes a long way in sustaining the home. One of the main reasons for ingratitude in most cases is “unhealthy comparison”. The Bible says …they that compare themselves with themselves are not wise (2 Corinthians10:12).
The grace to carry out your responsibility in your home is available and can only be given by God. Do you need God’s grace in your life? Then, surrender your life to Christ. However, 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.
