How much do you love your family How much do you love your family? On a scale of 1-10, rate yourself on how much you love your family. 1 = low, not very much at all 10 = high, I could not love them any more

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 4 Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not arrogant, 5 is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not irritable, and does not keep a record of wrongs. 6 Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Descriptors of Biblical Love Patient Does not keep a record of wrongs Kind Finds no joy in unrighteousness Does not envy Is not boastful Rejoices in the truth Is not arrogant Bears all things Is not rude Believes all things Is not self-seeking Hopes all things Is not irritable Endures all things.

Often, there is a gap between perception and reality of the Christ-centered nature of our homes. God wants us to have homes that are Christ- centered -- reflecting the character, attitude, and actions of Christ.

1. Humble in Our Attitude Ephesians 4:1-3 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

2. Patient in Our Actions Ephesians 4:1-3 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

3. Sacrificial in Our Love Ephesians 4:1-3 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

4. Peaceful in Our Unity Ephesians 4:1-3 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

5. Unified in Our Mission Ephesians 4:4-7 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.

6. Diverse in Our Gifts Ephesians 4:8-12 For it says: When he ascended on high, he took the captives captive; he gave gifts to people. 9 But what does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower parts of the earth? 10 The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, to fill all things. 11 And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 equipping the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ,

7. Renewed in our Thinking Ephesians 4:17, 20-24 17 Therefore, I say this and testify in the Lord: You should no longer live as the Gentiles live, in the futility of their thoughts. every kind of impurity with a desire for more and more. 20 But that is not how you came to know Christ, 21 assuming you heard about him and were taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to take off your former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires, 23 to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth.

8. Healthy in Our Speech Ephesians 4:15, 25, 29 15 But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ. 25 Therefore, putting away lying, speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, because we are members of one another. 29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

9. Faithful in Our Family Roles Ephesians 5:21-6:3 Husband – Loving Leader Wife – Respectful Supporter Children – Obedient Followers Parents – Consistent Disciplers

10. Genuine in Our Faith Ephesians 2:1-10 • By his grace • Through faith • Because of His great love • You can have NEW life today

Takeaways Love Christ & gladly submit to Him Have regular spiritual check-ups Model behaviors you expect Target one area at a time Set priorities through actions not words

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