Securing a Lasting Future for Your Family

"BE SWIFT ABOUT HEARING"

In this book the need for communication is frequently highlighted.  Why? Because things work better when people talk to and really listen to each other. It was repeatedly emphasized that communication is a two-way street.  The disciple James expressed it this way:  "Every man must be swift about hearing, slow about speaking." -James 1;19. 

It is also important to be careful about how we speak.  Rash, contentious, or severely critical words do not constitute successful communication.  (Proverbs 15:1; 21:9; 29:11, 20)  Families that learn to communicate well have taken a major stride toward achieving happiness. 

THE VITAL ROLE OF LOVE 

The word "love" appears repeatedly throughout this book.  Do you remember the kind of love primarily referred to?  It is true that romantic love  (Greek, e'ros) plays an important part in marriage, and in successful marriages, deep affection and friendship (Greek,  phi-li'a) grow between a husband and a wife.  But even more important is the love represented by the Greek word a-ga'pe.  this is the love that we cultivate for Jehovah, for Jesus, and for our neighbor.  (Matthew 22:37-39) It is the love Jehovah expresses toward mankind.  (John 3:16) How wonderful that we can show the same kind of love for our marriage and children! - 1 John 4:19.

In marriage this elevated love is truly "a perfect bond of union."  (Colossians 3:14) It binds a couple together and makes them want to do what is best for each other and their children.  When families face difficult situations, love helps them to handle thing unitedly.  As a couple get older, love helps them to support and continue appreciating each other.   "Love . . . does not look for its own interests. . . .  . It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails." -1 Corinthians 13:4-8.

The marriage union is especially strong when it is sealed not just by love between marriage mates but primarily by love for Jehovah.  (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12) Why? Well, the apostle John wrote:  "This is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments." (1 John 5:3)   Thus, a couple should train their children in godly devotion not simply because their love their children deeply but because this is Jehovah's command.  (Deuteronomy 6:6, 7) They should shun immorality not only because they love each other but chiefly because they love Jehovah, who "will judge fornicators and adulterers."  (Hebrews 13:4) Even if one partner causes severe problems in the marriage, love for Jehovah will move the other to continue following Bible principles. Happy, indeed, are those families in which love for one another is cemented by love for Jehovah.

Next time: Securing a Lasting Future for Your Family/THE FAMILY THAT DOES GOD'S WILL

From the book: The Secret of FAMILY HAPPINESS