As this series begins, I want to encourage you and remind you of the influence you have in the home as a daughter who fears and loves the Lord.
Daughters have a way of sweetening the life of a home that comes from their God-given desire to be helpers. One of the gifts that God has given to woman is the ability to nurture and beautify. It is honestly amazing to see the effect the wife and mother has on the home, for good or for evil. “A continual dripping on a rainy day and a quarrelsome wife are alike; to retrain her is to restrain the wind or to grasp oil in one’s right hand.” (Proverbs 27:15). And while daughters do not have quite the same effect on the air of the home as the mother, daughters do have an important effect. Have you ever noticed your power to cheer and comfort, or maybe to harm? I know that my hasty, irritable words can stir up contention in our home. However, my uplifting words, stemming from a heart that is in love with Christ, can comfort and encourage other family members and cheer the life of our home.
A quick thought about emotions: though emotions are important, I think it is essential to keep moodiness from ruling your role as a daughter. We must not take stress, anger, or frustration out on others. As girls, it’s so easy to let our moods dictate how we act, but we must learn to live by love the love of Christ. The basis for all is a growing relationship with the Lord. Focus your heart on Him and let your whole self be captive to Him. Then can you truly love and obey Him, taking up your cross daily to serve and love others.
In a home, every family member is important in determining what the home will be like. However, God can greatly use a daughter who is devoted to serving Him to change the home dramatically for His glory. I encourage you to read this post again (particularly the quote by Mabel Hale). Never forget the influence you have as a woman who loves the Lord. It is a great privilege and a great responsibility- one that you must rely on God’s grace and provision to accomplish.
“Let love be genunine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:9-12
Sadly, I see in many churches (and often even in my own life) a lack of honor and love in the home. Our culture views the house as the place where we relax, unwind, and live for ourselves. However, homes are one of the greatest opportunities for ministry, and God esteems the family and home. Do we do the same? Do we seek to honor others above ourselves in the home or only when in public?
Now, I want to hear your ideas and stories. How do you keep your attitude sweet and loving? What are some things (either simple or complex) that you do to show honor and love to other family member? (You are welcome to answer these questions in your comment, or you can comment on something else!)
