LOVE LIVES HERE
Ephesians 5.1–6.4
Gordon Dabbs, PhD
Love isn’t built in the big moments. It’s built in a thousand small ones.
A healthy home isn’t built on rules, roles, and routines. It’s built on Christ-shaped love.
We are introduced to 6 foundations of this kind of love in Ephesians 5 & 6:
Foundation 1: Love Begins with God
Ephesians 5.1-2 (NLT) Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
Foundation 2: Love is a daily walk, not a feeling
Ephesians 5.2 (NIV) . . .walk in the way of love. . .
It’s a walk… not a sprint. Slow. Deliberate. One step after another.
Foundation 3: Love Shows Up as Sacrifice
Ephesians 5.25 (NLT) For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her. . .
Love shows itself in surrender. Keep making sacrifices for your home team.
Foundation 4: Love Respects and Honors
A home can survive on bland meals… but not on bitter words. Respect is oxygen in marriage. Kids learn love by listening from the next room.
Foundation 5: Love Nurtures the Next Generation
Ephesians 6.4 (ESV) Bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Your children don’t need perfect parents. They need repentant ones. Your home is the greatest sermon your children will ever hear.
Foundation 6: Love Reflects the Gospel to the World
Family is evangelism in slow motion. A home built on Christ is a safe harbor where friends and neighbors can hear and experience the Good News.
The greatest thing you can do for your spouse or child is help them know Jesus.
Building a strong family is a high calling. You have all the help you need. Imagine one day your children saying, “My mom… my dad… led me to Jesus.”
What a home. What a foundation.
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