“But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Timothy 5:8 Wow! Those are some strong words written by the Apostle Paul. “Worse than an unbeliever.” Why would Paul speak in such a manner? Regarding this verse, it was once written, “The Christian who falls below the best heathen standard of family affection is more blameworthy, since he has what the heathen has not, the supreme example of love in Jesus Christ.” – White That quote is very helpful because it applies to more than just how we care for our family. We have the supreme example of love in Jesus Christ to guide us as we relate to our neighbors. We have the supreme example of love in Jesus Christ to guide us as we relate to our co-workers. We have the supreme example of love in Jesus Christ to guide us as we relate to our enemies. We have the supreme example of love in Jesus Christ to guide us as we relate to our church family. We have the supreme example of love in Jesus Christ to guide us as we relate to authority. The list is endless …. you fill in the what’s missing. The point is that we have the supreme example of love in Jesus Christ and that should determine how we interact with all people. Yet, I do not want to dismiss the intended subject matter for Paul’s words: family. Our own flesh and blood. Joined together by God. Even our in-laws have come to us because we have been joined with our spouse’s family, and so they have a special place in our lives. If you want to see a beautiful example of how we should treat our in-laws, consider the book of Ruth. I know that years ago bracelets with the phrase, “What would Jesus do?” were all the rage. As commercialized at that phrase became, it did ask an important question that for some, challenged them to think about Jesus in a variety of circumstances and asked them to act as they thought He might. Dovetailing off of this idea, perhaps it would be helpful for us to ask, “How would Jesus want me to love this person?”. Whether they are in our own home or not, some of the likely answers are:
- Selflessly.
- In humility.
- With a servants heart.
- Considering them more important than ourselves.
Tall standards. Love always raises the bar and asks us to respond in ways that stretch us, inconvenience us, and sometimes exhaust us. As you think about what I have shared, perhaps you want to think about your own family, or those on the list above. Ask God to show you what it would look like to love them as Christ would. Then ask Him to help you to do it. For Him, Rob