Lessons From "the Disciple Whom Jesus Loved" - LOVE YOUR FAMILY

 

One important way that a family head proves that he loves is family is by providing their material needs.  (1 Timothy 5:8)  He must remember, however, that material things cannot  satisfy his family's spiritual needs.  (Matthew 5:3) Note the example that JEsus set for his family heads. According to John's Gospel, while Jesus was dying on a tortue stake, he was still thinking of his family.  John was standing with Jesus' mother, Mary, at the location where Jesus was being executed. Despite being in severe agony, Jesus arranged for John to care for Mary. (John 19:26, 27) Jesus had siblings who would no doubt care for Mary's physical needs, but it appears that none of htem had yet become his disciples. So Jesus wanted to make sure that Mary was cared for physically as well as spiritually.

John carried a heavy load of responsibility.  As one of the apostles, he took the lead in the preaching work.  He may also have been married, so he would have had to balance caring for his family's needs with providing for their spiritual needs.  (1 Corinthians  9:5) What is  the lesson for family headfs today?

A brother who is a family head may have a number of weighty responsibilities.  For instance, he must be diligent in his secular work so that his conduct reflects well on Jehovah.  (Ephesians 6:5, 6; Titus 2:9, 10) And he may have reponsibilities  in the congregation, such as shepherding and taking the lead in the preaching work.  At the same time, it is important that he regularly study the Bible with his wife and children.  They will deeply appreciate his efforts to keep them physically, emotionally, and spirituall healthy. -  EPHESIANS 5:28, 29; 6:4. 

Next time: Lessons From "the Disciple Whom Jesus Loved"  - "REMAIN IN MY LOVE" 

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