Living Peacefully in Our Homemaking

Examining Scripture:

“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you,
live peaceably with all men.
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves,
but rather give place unto wrath:
for it is written, Vengeance is mine;
I will repay, saith the Lord.
Therefore if thine enemy hunger,
feed him; if he thirst, give him drink:
for in so doing thou shalt
heap coals of fire on his head.”
Romans 12:18-20

Evaluating Soil:

Oh, how revealing it would be if we could all see behind closed doors…the doors to our minds, hearts, and homes. The places where we keep the things we really think, want to say, do, and truly feel. The places where we might behave in ways we would never think of behaving in public.

It’s heartbreaking that our homes are often the places with the least peace and the most disagreements, dysfunction, disrespect, and disturbances. Could it be because it’s the place we feel the most comfortable being ourselves whether good or bad?

Unfortunately, peace seems to leave our homes when we begin to hide and justify bad behavior while allowing ourselves to become uninhibited by spiritual and social standards when out of the sight of others. This is not conducive to a holy home or heart, and doesn’t help us live peacefully with others.

Experiencing Seasons:

Guilty as charged! Sadly, my home is not always a peaceful place. Problems and persecution creep in and battles arise. Sometimes, I fight it and, other times, I cause the fight. My responses and behaviors are not always something I would want to open the doors for the world to see. In fact, I would be embarrassed to know others saw me on my bad, in the flesh, “being real’ days.

On the other hand, it might be a good thing to open the doors and let people see. I might be more cautious about how I control my attitude and actions and would work harder at displaying better self-control.

Truth is, God knows. He sees behind the closed doors. He knows me, the me that says what I think, behaves negatively, and responds to my loved ones in ways I wouldn’t treat a stranger on the street.

Embracing Solace:

Is it any wonder that peace leaves the place we call home, when we hinder it with ungodliness?

Enjoying Simplicity:

The simplicity of obedience to God’s instructions brings peace. This involves not avenging ourselves  but letting God have His righteous vengeance on wrong doing.

Employing Solutions:

Homes don’t have to be war zones where our families and friends dread or fear going behind our closed doors. No one should have to walk on egg shells or feel mistreated, unwelcomed, or uncomfortable because of disrespect or attempts at retaliation.

If we are to live peaceably in our homes, we will have to set our homes up for peace. Look at this instruction found in Romans:

“Let us therefore follow after the things
which make for peace,
and things wherewith
one may edify another.”
Romans 14:19

Following after things that “make for peace” and things that “edify another” are two ways to make our homes peaceful places to live. Places where we can love, live well, and feel secure in our relationships. Places where closed doors aren’t used to hide poor behaviors and battles, but are opened to welcome peace and sincere love inside.

Bring It Home

How do you try to make your home and relationships more peaceful?
Let’s pray together for more peace in homes.

Praying for you as we grow together,
Smiles, BRC