The Word

[Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3.8-9]

[If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12.18]

when i was a child, my family didn't always live in harmony and peace. my family had (has) some issues. just ask any of us - we'll tell you, but that was then and this is now. what i wonder now is have we moved on, matured, and forgiven one another?

i've been thinking about families a lot lately. having michael and alex in my life now has caused those thoughts. before them, i'm not sure i've ever thought about having kids, and all the work and investment that is required to raise them up into mature, christian adults. (well, now that i've written that statement, reality hit me. those are my expectations for these two amazing boys. first expectation: i want them to pursue Christ with all their hearts. second: i want them to mature and be capable of making wise and biblical decisions on their own - to stand up for what is right and true even when it is a difficult decision.)

this is what i'm learning: there is great responsiblity in helping these boys to grow up and have a positive impact on their communities. it's an investment which will take time to mature. it's not a race for rabbits, and unfortunately i think like a rabbit most of the time.

so after all this counseling which troy and i have been going thru, i'm trying to pick up things in Scripture which talk about being sympathetic, compassionate - all that feeling stuff. this verse in peter makes a connection between living in harmony and being sympathetic/compassionate/humble. the verse in romans is more like the one i would normally pick up on - it's more un-feeling and straight to the point; it speaks directly to me without any fluff. oh the differences in writer's personalities.

[please, God, help us to invest in these boys in a way which will have lasting effects for Your kingdom's glory. help troy and i to set an example in love and truth for them. we are depending on You to bind us all together in love, forgiveness, truth and hope. may You continue to break down the walls of distrust, hurt and anger. let Your peace dwell deeply in all of us so that we can radiate it to these beautiful boys. lead us deeply into your Truth that we can share it with joy. let our lives be a blessing to You. i pray your protection over michael and alex's hearts.]