Above All Else

Above all else, love each other deeply. 1 Peter 4:8

You know what is one of my greatest challenges some days?

 Loving the people in my own home. 

After a day of work and giving of my self to the demands of my job, even loving the people of the world, it is a real struggle sometimes to pull the car into the garage and set my mind to loving the people in my own family. 

Not because my brood is unlovable, but because my resources are low. The vat of patience, forgiveness, and energy that was filled to the brim in the morning, is nearly empty.  Some days, decompression doesn’t come until bedtime. Too late. Tempers flared, harsh words spoken, and peace gone. In the throes of parenthood, marriage, and career, there will be days like this. 

It’s interesting to note that the beautifully framed verses that hang from the walls in our home can be really difficult to apply. “Above all else, love one another deeply.” Those words are visible on our living room wall. What a wonderfully stark reminder of our need, our call, to hold love as a number 1 priority. 

The truth is, just because we are exhausted, sad, sick, or otherwise doesn’t disqualify us to love our family. 

If anything, home is where we turn up the dial. If our children are to inherit a real, tangible faith, they are to see it in action. If I am to honor my husband, it is done without an edge in my words. Mom’s long day should not negate her capacity to love. Dad’s work deadline shouldn’t make him callous with words. Toys on the floor or a drink left on the end table should not always unleash a lecture about responsibility. There’s another way. Our choice of words and attitudes sway the environment of the evening. Our loving-even-when-we-don’t-feel-like-it “spurs one another on” (Hebrews 10:24). 

I am held accountable today that if all of the loveliest verses hung from our walls don’t move us, remind us, encourage us, or change us in some way, they might as well not be there.  Loving at home is not optional or mood-based.

May you be reminded today of your role of loving those in your home. It can be nearly impossible some days, but your spouse and children deserve it.  

It takes priority. 

It takes purpose. 

It takes heeding the words of scripture over and over again.

“Instead, be kind and tender-hearted to one another, and forgive one another, as God has forgiven you through Christ.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:32‬ ‭

“Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs; love is not happy with evil, but is happy with the truth. Love never gives up; and its faith, hope, and patience never fail.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13:4-7‬ ‭