Love in Families

“Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

–Deut 5:16

Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

1 Cor 13:4-7

Earl Nightingale (1921–1989), a radio personality and author wrote, “Learn to enjoy every minute of your life.  Be happy now.  Don’t wait for someone outside of yourself to make you happy in the future.  Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it’s at work or with your family.  Every minute should be enjoyed and savored.”  1 John 4:19 says, “We love because he first loved us.”  Kim Kardashian (b. 1980), a TV personality and actress echoed this same reality: “At the end of the day, life is about being happy being who you are, and I feel that we are so blessed to have the support system and the best family to really just support each other no matter what we’re going through.”

Peace in Life

How do we find peace?  In Acts 10:2 reminds us that our family should be devout and God-fearing.  We ought to give generously to those in need and pray to God regularly.  Menachem Begin (1913–1992), former prime minister of Israel looked at peace a bit differently: “Peace is the beauty of life.  It is sunshine.  It is the smile of a child, the love of a mother, the joy of a father, the togetherness of a family.  It is the advancement of man, the victory of a just cause, the triumph of truth.”  These gifts are undoubtedly the essence of peace.  But this begins with us.  

Buddha (563/480 BC–483/400 BC), an Indian ascetic and sage observed, “To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one’s family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one’s own mind.  If a man can control his mind he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him.”

Forgiveness & Family

Colossians 3:13 tells us to bear with each other and forgive one another.  If any of you have a grievance against someone, forgive as the Lord forgives you.  This forgiveness begins in one’s family.  George Santayana (1863–1952), a philosopher wrote, “The family is one of nature’s masterpieces.”  So why wreck it with grudges?  Lex Luger (b. 1958), a professional wrestler wrote, “Many times, the decisions we make affect and hurt your closet friends and family the most.  I have a lot of regrets in that regard.  But God has forgiven me, which I am thankful for.  It has enabled me to forgive myself and move forward one day at a time.”  It isn’t only family and friends we have to forgive, it also starts with oneself.