Love Is Kind

Let’s go—let’s go—let’s go! Do—do—do! Run—run—run! The busy days of raising kids can catapult us into the mindset that our family members are just cogs in a machine that is or isn’t running efficiently. We can be so obsessed with getting through the day's tasks that we miss the moments of the day. We can have the checklist done, the kids asleep, the house clean, and fall into bed exhausted . . . and miserably alone.

Are you so busy making everything “perfect” that you have no energy to enjoy your spouse when they are at home? Do you value your spouse more for the help they can give than for their presence?

To be like Jesus, we must show love and kindness as he did. Sometimes it’s easy to neglect the people closest to us and forget we must show them kindness each and every day, too. We can become so used to asking and tasking that we lose the love behind it all.

If you pause long enough to think about it, it becomes clear that people are more important than the busyness. Be honest with yourself. You’d rather be in a messy house where you and your family feel comfortable and loved than in a spotless house where you feel unwanted and alone. You’d rather your kid be content in an average job than be miserable in a fancy, corporate job. You’d rather earn less money but have time to build a strong marriage than be rich in a loveless, strained relationship.

Still, the calendar siren screeches. If only there were a way to mute these notifications, so they don’t haunt and control you…

God has the way! Fill yourself with God’s Word that shows the right way to love: the way God loves you. Being like Jesus spills into all areas of your life—even what you choose to do throughout each busy day.

Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ.

Ephesians 4:32 (CEV)

So add yourself a to-do at the very top of your list: show your family kindness. Look for moments in your day to delight in each family member and let them know you love them. Find the action that speaks to them—be it an encouraging word, an extra hug, a look that says “you are so cool,” or a specific time you listen with complete attention. The rewards will fill your home for generations.

PRAY

Father God, thank you for your kindness. Thank you for loving me and seeing my worth beyond what I can do. Help me to show that love to my family. 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 do you know I love you?

Apply: Make a date! Try to squeeze in some one-on-one time with each of your family members. It doesn’t have to be a big outing or an expensive date. A board game, a favorite TV show, a pop-up manicure spa, or a pick-up basketball game. Make it fun!

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.

Romans 13:8

1 Corinthians 13:3-4