Your Daily Devotional for October 19, 2007

 

October 19,  2007

 

 

Edifying Our Family

by Dr. Paul Chappell

 

 

"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers."

 

Ephesians 4:29

 

 

There was once an elementary school math teacher who loved teaching children, but she did not necessarily like teaching math. One little boy who had done poorly in math the year before had greatly improved since being in her class. When she asked him why, he said, "Because I like myself better in your class."

 

As we saw yesterday, we must encourage our children each day. God commands us not to hurt our children or provoke them to wrath. We must daily seek for ways to praise them for something they have done. Today we will see how we can edify our entire family through encouragement.

 

First, we can edify our family through praise. No one likes to be told they are wrong, yet it is necessary to grow. On the other hand, most people like to be praised and encouraged, and praise is also a vital necessity in our lives!

 

This is not an optional thing in our lives. We cannot choose to simply ignore our responsibility to encourage our family. Someone can ignore their children or spouse and think they aren't harming them because they are not yelling at them or verbally abusing them, yet ignoring our families and failing to encourage them is just as harmful. We must seek ways every day to uplift and edify our family.

 

Your family should view home as a safe haven. Many times people at work or school can degrade or belittle the members of your family. They should never have to worry if that is going to happen at home. They must feel that home is a place of love and acceptance. We must be careful not to make fun of each other or point out each other's faults. We must edify our family through praise and encouragement.

 

Also, we must edify our family with God's Word. Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." God's Word can cut through any doubt or discouragement and help edify the members of our family!

 

There are several ways you can help edify and encourage your family through God's Word. You could leave a small note or 3x5 card on their dresser or somewhere they'll see it with an encouraging verse on it. Maybe you know they are going through a difficult time. Pick a verse that deals with God's help during trials.

 

Also, spend time together in God's Word with your family. A daily time of family devotions helps the family focus on each other and on the Bible. As you open the Scriptures, look for ways to apply the truths of His Word to your family. Make it specific and give your children ways they can practice the principles of His Word in their lives that day.

 

Our families are the most important things in our lives. Aside from our walk with God, nothing could be more important than raising a godly family who loves  the Lord. We must daily encourage and edify one another through our actions and with God's Word.

 

Are you edifying your family each day? Do you show them your love through your actions? Also, are you sharing Scripture with each other? Many times a loving note or a helpful Bible verse can help someone who is discouraged or struggling. Ask God to help you see how you can effectively edify the other members of your family. Take time now to write an encouraging note to a member of your family. As we take time to edify our loved ones, God will help us stay close to Him.

 

 

 

Daily Bible Reading

Isaiah 56-58 • 2 Thessalonians 2

 

 

 

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