Day 1: God's Love For Our Families

Read It: Ephesians 5:1-2, 15-21

1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.

15 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, 16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; 20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; 21 and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.

Meditate On It:

1. What are the two instructions given by Paul – one at the start of verse 1 and the other at the start of verse 2? What did he say is our basis as we carry out those important instructions? (vv 1-2)

2. List down how the passage describes what ought to be our walk in our daily life (vv 15-21). What would each of these specifically look like in your own everyday life as you walk with Christ?

3. What are the specific actions from the passage that you have difficulty practicing in your life? What are the reasons for the difficulty?

4. Further reading:
For husbands and wives: Ephesians 5:22-33
For parents and children Ephesians 6:1-4

Apply It:

Our walk with Christ is only possible because of His great sacrificial love for us. The more we understand what Jesus has done for us, the more we can imitate His example when it comes to loving those closest to us, even when that can be difficult. We can’t follow Jesus on our own strength. That is why we need to pray and ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit in order to love our families, to share God’s word to them, to give thanks in all situations, and to be subject to one another in humility.

1. What specific actions do I need to start practicing in my family? How exactly will I do it?

2. How can I “make melody in my heart to the Lord” and give thanks to Him, even right at this very moment? (Suggestion: Read a Psalm to Him, sing a song to Him, and thank Him for the many specific blessings He has given you and your family.)

3. Is there anyone in my family or among my loved ones with whom I need to share Christ’s love? (Ask God who these are and pray for an opportunity to spend time with them.)

By faith, I will pray for an opportunity to engage with…. (Mention each person by name)

Set Simple, Measurable, Appropriate, Realistic, and Time-bound (SMART) commitments.

Example: “I will engage with my loved one by spending quality time with them, doing their favorite bonding activity next weekend.”

Pray It:

Ask God to use you as a channel of His love to your close relationships, relatives, and family members:

• To be a more Christ-like spouse, parent, child, family member, friend, etc.
• To shepherd our families and friends in the ways of the Lord.
• To be filled with the Holy Spirit in order to exhibit the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
• To glorify and praise God in all things, even through the challenging relationships in our families.

Let us confess our tendency to take our relationships for granted, to ignore conflicts or relational tensions, as well as our unforgiveness towards those who have hurt us, especially in our families.

Pray for intentionality starting this week to reach out to a family member, relative, or friend with whom you need to reconcile.

Take the opportunity to pray with your loved ones: encourage one another and appreciate each other's good qualities and actions.

Take time to ask one another: "How can I improve? How have I hurt you? Will you forgive me?", then pray for each other.