Marriage Insight: Peace on Earth and a Peaceful Home

Marriage Insight: Peace on Earth and a Peaceful Home

As people all over the world are turning their eyes and activities towards Christmas, we often hear the angelic phrase repeated, “Peace on earth and goodwill to men.” But what about experiencing peace within our homes? Isn’t that to be our goal, as well? The Bible says: “Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.“ (Hebrews 12:14) "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." (Romans 12:18 ESV)

So, in the pursuit of peaceful moments this Christmas season, we would like to share with you a few tips that we pray will help. First, remember: ~ “The holidays can be especially stressful. The expectations are high, the demands unrelenting, and the pressure ever-building. When there seems to be no way to alleviate the pressure, a CHANGE IN OUR OUTLOOK is the secret to making the holidays more than just an anxiety-inducing frenzy of greedy kids, visiting family members, and never-ending church activities.” (Keryn Horwood)

~ “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.“(Philippians 4:5-7)

~ “This year, when you’re planning your gathering of family and friends, I urge you to set aside a ‘fellowship’ time when everyone can sit in a circle and take turns really listening to one another. Ask these questions: ‘what were you most thankful for this past year? What have you learned from the past year? How would you like to grow next year?’ If you take the time for authentic fellowship with your family and friends, I guarantee that everyone will remember it far longer than if you merely socialize with them.” (Rick Warren)

~ “Accepting others as they are can be the biggest gift you give yourself. Holidays can be stressful because we’re often with people who are difficult to be around. You don’t have to approve or like what your family members do. But you do need to show love and grace to them. Dr Minirth, a noted Christian psychiatrist, warns that this is also not the time to try to fix your family. You can have a personal goal of showing love and peace to a difficult family member, however. There are other days of the year to address other problems.” (Keryn Horwood)

~ Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:32-35) These are words we must always keep as our goal—to reveal and reflect the love of Christ with our spouse, and everyone we are with.

We have more tips that can help us to live in peaceful homes and bring peace into other homes, as we visit them. Please go to https://marriagemissions.com/peace-earth-peaceful-home/ to read them. And as You strive to make yours a peaceful home: “May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ to whom be the glory for ever and ever.” (Hebrews 13:20-21)

Cindy and Steve Wright