3 Practical Steps to Be a Blessing to Your Family at Home

Do you often find it difficult to love your family members at home? Family should be the closest people in our lives, but that does not automatically mean we can love them. It feels easier to love friends who do not live in the same house, because we feel more understood by them. As a result, we do not feel comfortable being at home, even if only for a few hours. 

God places us in a family so that we have a place to return to when our body and soul are weary from the outside world. However, many factors make it hard for someone to see home as a place to return to. Perhaps because they do not experience harmony in the family. Or, there are feelings of pride, hatred, fear, that make them choose not to communicate with the people at home.

On the other hand, God wants you and me to become a blessing to our family. Therefore, I invite all of us to take three small steps that can make us a joy to our respective families:

1. Tear Down the “Wall” That Separates You from Your Family

When I returned to my hometown after four years of study in Bandung, I felt awkward living under the same roof with my family. I made many assumptions about my parents, and I also often argued with my younger sibling. It was as if I no longer knew them, and being at home felt truly uncomfortable.

Without realizing it, I built a wall with each member of my family. I wanted them to be the ones to climb over that wall first to come close to me, because I did not want to fight for them. 

However, God does not want this selfish attitude in the family. Look at what God says about this in the Bible. 

Love one another with brotherly affection and outdo one another in showing honor. – Roma 12:10

The Amplified Bible (AMP) version for “love as brothers and sisters” is “brotherly affection (as members of one family).” Yes, we need to love every member of our family. The greatest mistake in love is when we build a wall so that it becomes difficult for others to love us. It may well be that, without us realizing it, they deeply want to be close to us.

Start tearing down the wall between you and your family. Even though it may feel hard at first because you are not used to it, try beginning with a short but meaningful conversation. A wall that has stood for a long time will certainly take time to come down completely. However, you can begin with one small step, for the sake of a better relationship with your family. 

2. Pay Attention to Small Things

Things that seem trivial can become a way for us to love our family. The reason is simple: when someone pays attention to small things about us, of course we feel loved by them. Personally, I am happy when people notice small things about me, for example when they remember my shoe size or my birthday. 

My children, let us love not with words or speech, but with actions and in truth. – 1 Yohanes 3:18

Concrete actions are more deeply felt than mere words. Through actions, we can see the effort someone puts in, such as the energy spent cleaning the house, taking part in celebrating a happy day for parents or siblings, and so on. Sweet words may bring comfort, but real action will leave a deep impression on someone.

People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. ― Theodore Roosevelt

People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care about them. Notice what other family members at home need. You can take the initiative to help mop the floor, tidy things up, wash the dishes, clean the bathroom, iron clothes, help your mother pick vegetables, or order food online.

You can also celebrate important days for family members, for example by gathering together, preparing cake and candles, and singing happy birthday. The gift you give does not have to be expensive, but it can make them happy. Those who are able can take the family on a vacation. As the celebration of Jesus’ birth approaches, you and your family can decorate the Christmas tree together. 

Small things that may seem unimportant can strengthen your relationship with your family. Surely, perhaps without them realizing it, your family will be glad for your presence at home. 

3. Become a Good Listener

A person will also feel loved when their story is heard, whether it is simple complaints or a major problem that needs a solution. However, not everyone can express their need to be heard. Usually this is because they do not feel safe, are not used to it, or feel too proud to express their feelings and thoughts. 

So, what does God say about being a good listener? 

My beloved brothers and sisters, remember this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. – Yakobus 1:19

Are you quick to argue or interrupt when a family member is speaking? As if you only want to give the fastest solution and do not try to understand their feelings As a result, they become reluctant to talk about their problems with you. Even so, God teaches us to be good listeners.

Listening is one way we help others, even if the problem is not immediately resolved at that moment. By listening, we can understand their way of thinking, and if it does not align with the truth, we can remind them in love (Kolose 3:16). 

It would be good for you to train yourself to listen to the stories of other family members at home, not only those who are close to you. Being a good listener is indeed not easy, but if you do it with love, you can become a channel of blessing to them.

Being a blessing to your family at home is not always about how much wealth you accumulate or how many achievements you attain. You can show care in small things and offer an ear to listen. May the walls between family members disappear, and may your family grow in harmony. Keep pressing on to be a blessing at home, everyone!

-

Church GKDI is in 35 cities in Indonesia. If you would like to join a personal Bible study (Personal Bible Sharing), a Bible Discussion, need counseling help, or would like to attend Sunday worship or other church activities, please fill out the form below.

If you have questions or need other information, please contact us via the following WhatsApp 0821 2285 8686 .

Enjoy our playlist of worship songs at the following link: http://bit.ly/gkdi-music

And, find more interesting & inspiring content through our social media:

Website: https://gkdi.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GKDIOfficial/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gkdiofficial/
Blog: https://gkdi.org/blog/
Youtube: https://bit.ly/yt-gkdi
Whatsapp: https://bit.ly/gkdi-wa

Music Video: