SECRETS OF A HAPPY HOME

Frank Ottati

"But if a person isn't loving and kind, it shows that he (she) doesn't know God, for God is love." 1 John 4:8 (LB) The secret of a happy home is the verb, LOVE, all the other graces are the results of love. Gal 5:21,22. Since love is a verb, it is shown by actions.

Lack of love = kills - Ex: Marilyn Monroe died at the age of 35, hungry for someone to love her as a person not as a sex symbol. Love = heals - Ex: wife who wanted to divorce her husband, practiced real love, and her marriage was saved.
The Love principle was demonstrated in the home of Abraham and Sarah: Genesis 12-16; 18,21,22 and is divided in the following way:

LOVE TO GOD
Love to God is manifested by obedience, Jesus said: "if you love me keep my Commandments." John 14:15 Love to God was expressed by Abraham and Sarah when they obeyed God by moving to a land they didn't know, Gen. 12:1 Love to God was shown by Abraham and Isaac when they obeyed the Lord in offering Isaac in sacrifice, Gen. 22 Love to God was demonstrated by Abraham when he returned his tithe to God, Gen. 14:20

LOVE IN THE FAMILY
Abraham and Sarah were married for more than 62 years! Gen. 12:4; 17:17;23:1. Abraham and Sarah, made major mistakes by lying to Pharaoh that Sarah was Abraham's sister, Gen. 20:2; by committing adultery with Hagar the servant trying to help God with a promised son, there was strife in the family, Gen. 16, but the love for God and for each other helped their marriage to survive.

LOVE TO OTHERS
Abraham and Sarah, unselfishly helped their nephew Lot and his family to choose a better land, Gen. 13:8,11 Abraham interceded for Sodom and Gomorrah, Gen. 18: 23-33 In spite of their mistakes, conflicts and adversities, Abraham and Sara's home stayed together until death separated them, why? Because they loved God, loved each other and shared their love with others.

Invitation: Do you want that love in your home? Jesus said: "Ask and you shall receive" Matt. 7:7