Practicing Bible Principles in the Home

 This does not mean that you can solve all your problems by simply dismissing them.  It means that you can have the comfort of knowing that your attitude and course of action  is the right and Scriptural one.  From Jehovah's viewpoint, your record and conscience are clear. It is his purpose  that the 'righteous requirement of the Law [in its basic principles]might be fulfilled in us who walk, not in accord with the flesh, but in accord with the spirit."   Granted, you are still imperfect, but provision has been kindly made whereby your sins on that account can be forgiven. - ROMANS 8:4.

While it is true that the scriptures  previously mentioned apply primarily  to those in the Christian congregation having a heavenly hope, yet in principle they also apply to the "great crowd" of Christian witnesses mentioned at  Revelation 7:9 who enjoy an earthly hope.  Support for this is seen in the undeniable evidence of Jehovah's favor and blessing to all those pre-Christian witnesses  described in Hebrews chapter 11.  By his spirit they were enabled to surmount their many problems, including domestic ones, and we wish to encourage you to do the same.  In fact, that is why the record of that great "cloud of witnesses" was given us.  (Hebrew 12:1) With this in mind, let us pay further attentiont o Paul's inspired counsel given to the Christians in Ephesus.

Based directly on the appeal to put on the new personality, Paul goes on to give fine practical counsel.  Though given mainly from the viewpoint of conduct within the congregation, it also applies to homelife, and some of it directly to family relationships. Rather than laying down rules  he discusses principles, showing how and why they should be observed. He writes:  "Wherefore, now that you have put away the falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, because we are  members belonging to one another." - EPHESIANS 4:25. 

Next time: Practicing Bible Principles in the Home - INTERDEPENDENCE

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