Nurturing a Happy Family

Nurturing a Happy Family

Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV®)

As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

If you’ve been to a Chinese restaurant, you’ve probably seen a dish called Happy Family on the menu. The origin of the name is unclear, but it’s a variety of meats and vegetables, stir-fried together to create a tasty meal. Wouldn’t it be nice if it were that easy to create a real happy family? Throw everyone together, give it a stir, and every day is great? The truth is that family life is hard, even for people who care about each other. The characteristics Paul urged the Colossians to adopt are also helpful for us at home. They may be harder to practice under our own roof because those people know our imperfections and weaknesses, but I urge you to give it try. Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love—they will go a long way toward nurturing a happy family.

THINK ABOUT IT

It has been said if you are filled with love or any of the fruit of God’s Holy Spirit, when you are jostled, it is the only thing that can spill out. Let’s endeavor to be filled with the fruit of the Spirit. 

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, forgive me for when anger or impatience has spilled out of me toward others instead of gentle kindness and patient love. Holy Spirit, help me to cultivate Your fruit in my life so I might convey Your peace everywhere I go. In Jesus’ name, amen.