“As I have loved you, so you must love one another…” John 13:34
Just before Jesus’ betrayal and brutal death on the cross, he went over some final instructions with his disciples. Out of everything they heard the Master say and what they saw Him do, what mattered the most to Jesus in these last conversations?
“As I have loved you, so you must love one another…” This statement defines the standard and objects of our love. And this loving-kindness starts at home. Family research long ago concluded that the greatest gift Mom and Dad can give their developing children at home is the love that they share as spouses. Children watch, learn and come to understand covenantal love through what they see first in their parent’s relationship.
Jesus’ love – expressed in that key relationship between Mom and Dad – shapes and influences a child’s perception of love for a lifetime. What should they experience at home?
- Commitment – Jesus loves the full breadth of God-created humanity with an undying affection. The Psalmist declares, “Your love endures forever!” So should our love for one another.
- Forgiveness – In Ephesians 4, Paul states, “Forgive one another, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Spousal tensions are normal. Our kids see us disagree and even wound each other. They also need to see the powerful, restorative nature of forgiveness.
- Sacrifice – Paul reminds us in Romans 5 of the wonderful truth, that “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” He gave Himself, sacrificing any human pleasure which stood in the way of the Father’s plan in order to fully express His love. This sacrifice on our behalf wasn’t earned or deserved, it was just offered. What would our marriages be like if we practiced this kind of self-sacrifice? More importantly, how would our kids be impacted by living in a home where they saw sacrifice play out every day?
- Unconditional acceptance – Did I mention that we don’t deserve and haven’t earned the love of God? Yet, on a human dimension, we often attach expectations or requirements on the love we have for one another. In my accountability group we’ve been asking each other the question, “How can we love our wives without any expectation that they will change? Just love them for who they are, as Christ loved us.” As our children see this play out in our marriages, they will be more likely to know how to receive this kind of love from us, and from God.
Camper Corner
Do you know that God loves you unconditionally, sacrificially, and with a life-long commitment of forgiveness? Jesus instructs us to love others just like He loves us. What would it look like to love the people in your home with this same kind of love?
Comments
I just hope that you know, that as a parent these bless me so much. I gain so much insight on how to raise my teen with reading these devotionals. Every one seems to hit home. I cannot thank you enough for your devotion to what you do. It definitely makes a difference in the life of my son, Stewart Clementz and my life as well. Thank you, for mentoring me as his mother. Prima Rose
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