Introduction:
1. There is a difference between a house and a home. What is it?
2. Making your home a more enjoyable place to dwell.
I. A forgiving spirit.
A. There will be “mess ups” at home. You will hear from time to time “I’m sorry!” “Did I do that?” “Please forgive me”. It happens in even the best of families.
B. How to forgive (Eph. 4:32). Completely (Acts 3:19), no memory (Heb 8:12), receiving us back unconditionally (Lk. 15:20-24; Hosea).
C. No matter how bad the mistake. I.e. King David, Peter, those who crucified the Lord, Saul. It is our personal responsibility (Mt. 5:7; 6:12).
II. An unselfish attitude.
A. Definition of selfishness-excessively concerned for ones welfare at the expense or disregard of another.
B. Dangers that selfishness produces.
C. Struggles with selfishness-embrace self over others (Lk. 12:16-21; 16:19-31).
D. How to become selfless: 1. Evaluate the motives for actions (2 Cor. 13:5). 2. Consider how we wish to be treated (Mt. 7:12). 3. Strive to imitate Jesus Christ (Phil. 2:5-11).
III. An encouraging attitude.
A. All get discouraged (1 Kings 19:4; Ps. 42:5-6). Discouragement in families: lose job, bad day, children, self esteem issues, etc.
B. God’s message (Mt. 14:27).
C. The role of the encourager in the family. Make others feel good about themselves and the situation, refresh their spirits and help them to see brighter days.
D. How? 1. Put trust in God (Ps. 42:5, 11). 2. Count your blessings (Ps. 42:8). 3. Pray (1 Sam. 30:6). 4. Don’t feel sorry for self. 5. Problems are only temporary (Ps. 30:5).
E. Isa. 35:3, 4.
Entered on 8/16/2009
| Email Us! | © 2003-2010, Pomona Church of Christ |