Invest in What You Love

Perhaps you notice your son drifting away from the family. Or your daughters can’t get along. Or your spouse seems distant, and your relationship robotic. Or maybe you suddenly realize you have no friends you can call in hard times. It’s hard to know what to do in these situations. How can we begin to make things right?

The law of entropy that states “everything descends into chaos if left alone” can apply to most relationships too. When we sit back, take things for granted, and don’t put in a solid effort, no progress is made in our relationships. We cannot do nothing and expect a change.

In order to love people well, we must invest in them. We have to be generous with our time, resources, and emotional energy. We have to place them above other demands and distractions. Some call it “hospitality of the heart,” and it proves we truly care. And yes, as the servant God calls us to be to others, we have to be ready and willing to make a move and keep on giving, even if not fairly reciprocated.

My friends, you were chosen to be free. So don't use your freedom as an excuse to do anything you want. Use it as an opportunity to serve each other with love.
Galatians 5:13 CEV

Jesus spoke of our heart following where our treasure is (Matthew 6:20-21). When we invest our time, our energy, and our resources into our loved ones or even people we have trouble appreciating, our love and compassion for them will grow.

When we invest in what we love, we love what we invest in even more.

So who do you, or your children, have trouble loving? How can you invest in them this week?

PRAY

Lord, help us love more! Help us to not be selfish with our time and energy but be willing to invest our resources into the people you have placed in our lives. Amen.

TIME TO TALK

Conversation starter for kids: Provides you with questions and prompts to facilitate a time of applicable discussion with children to lead them towards knowing God and His Word more deeply.

Question(s): How can we better show our love for each other? How can we show love to people we don’t really like?

Apply: A loving, Christ-following family should be willing and eager to serve each other. Try making it a fun competition to see who can do the most for others this week, like clearing their plate or hauling in the groceries. Think of little “I C You” rewards for doing good, even if it’s just a pat on the back, a “thank you” note, or putting their favorite treat in their lunchbox. Then, when this week’s challenge is over, celebrate what you’ve done for one another! And encourage your family to keep it going.

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help parents expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Swipe to read the passages today.

Matthew 20:25-28

1 Peter 4:10