Offences may come, there may be quarrel and disagreement, but do not forget there is the key to forgiving others, which is, remembering how much God has forgiven you. Is it difficult for you to forgive someone who has wronged you a little, when God has forgiven you so much? Realizing God’s infinite love and forgiveness can help you love and forgive others. To practice any list of virtues without practicing love will lead to distortion, fragmentation, and stagnation (I Cor. 13: 3). Don’t quench your life in bitter feuding; live renewed in love and joy.
When a man becomes a Christian, he usually would bring his whole family into the church with him – for example, the story of the conversion of the Philippian jailer (Acts 16: 29-34). By contrast, a woman who became a Christian usually came into the church alone. Demanding her rights as a free woman in Christ could endanger her marriage if her husband disapproved. The Scripture reassures Christian women who are married to unbelievers that they do not need to preach to their husbands. Under the circumstance, their best approach would be one of godly behaviour. They should show their husbands the kind of self-giving love that Christ showed the church. By being examplary wives, they would please their husbands
A changed life speaks loudly and clearly, and it is often the most effective way to influence a family member. The Scripture instructs Christian wives to develop inner beauty rather than being overtly concerned about their outward appearance. Their husbands will be won over by their love. This does not mean that Christian women should be dowdy and trumpy; it is good to take care of oneself and look one’s best. But far more important is the developing of an inner Spirit of godliness. Live your Christian faith quietly and consistently in your home, so that your family will see Christ in you. True beauty begins inside (Proverbs 31: 30).
Wives are encouraged to submit to their own husbands. To be submissive to another’s authority means to co-operate voluntarily out of love and respect for God and for that person. Ideally submission is mutual (Ephesians 5: 21). Even when it is one-sided, however, the expression of submission can be an effective Christian witness. Jesus Christ submitted to death so that we could be saved; we may sometimes have to submit to unpleasant circumstances so that others will see Christ in us. One-sided submission requires tremendous strength. We could not do it without the power of the Holy Spirit working in us.
The Scripture also tells us to let Christ’s peace be umpire or referee in our heart. Our heart is the centre of conflict because there, our feelings and desires clash; our fears and hopes, distrust and trust, jealousy and love, all engage in a battle. How can we deal with these constant conflicts and live as God wants? The Scripture explains that we must decide between the conflicting elements by using the rule of peace. If a man is not considerate and does not command the respect of his wife, his prayers will not be heard, because a living relationship with God depends on right relationships with others
Thankful people can worship wholeheartedly. Gratitude opens our hearts to God’s peace and enables us to put on love. Discontented people constantly calculate what’s wrong with their lot in life. To increase your thankfulness, take an inventory of all you have (including your relationships, memories, abilities, and family, as well as material possessions). Use the inventory for prayers of gratitude.
Finally, as a Christian, you represent Christ at all times – wherever you go and whatever you say.
What impression do people have of Christ when they see or talk with you? Whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, bringing honour to Him.
Have a joyful celebration of responsible family life.
S. Igein Isemede.