I want my home to be a peaceful and joyful place. I want those of us that live here to enjoy one another and I want those that visit to feel welcomed. I want to set an example for my children so that my grandchildren can live in a joyful and peaceful home. I want to send my family off each morning with smiles on their faces and end each day with laughter in our hearts.
So today I set out on my journey through God’s word to see how to make this happen.
It starts at the top! Mom and dad set the pace. The way we treat each other and the kids will be the way they treat us and one another. Anger and bad tempers are contagious and once they’ve taken hold of a family – they are hard to wash away.
So mom and dad must set out to be a good example of peace and joy. These characteristics don’t come naturally in our sinful nature. But they are fruits of the Holy Spirit in our lives (Galatians 5:22). So the first thing we must do is be purposeful about our relationship with God.
There are a couple of instructions specific to moms and dads that can do much to set the tone for our home.
Moms need to not be naggy.
A quarrelsome wife is as annoying as constant dripping on a rainy day. (Proverbs 27:15 NLT)
And dads need to be mindful of how they treat their kids.
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. (Ephesians 6:4 NLT)
Then we must set Biblical expectations for our family which we first follow ourselves and then enforce in our children.
•Take your anger and bad mood somewhere else. It’s contagious. (Proverbs 22:24-25)
•Do everything without arguing and complaining. (Philippians 2:14)
•The start of a quarrel is like a leak in a dam, so stop it before it bursts. (Proverbs 17:14)
•Be happy and enjoy ourselves. (Ecclesiastes 3:12)
•Your mood starts in your heart. Be cheerful. (Proverbs 15:30)
•Always be joyful. (1 Thessalonians 5:16)
•The words you say to people can build the up or tear them down. Choose them carefully. (Ephesians 4:29)
Lord, I pray that you will keep us ever aware of these principles and that with your help, joy and peace will be the norm in our home.