Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Titus 2 Tuesday - They Will Know Us By Our Love

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What have learned from another woman this week? (or ever)

Write your own "Titus 2 Post" (linking back here somewhere within the body of your post) and enter your link below!

Life has continued to be full of surprises for us lately. As it turned out; we were only home for just over 4 days - one of which we hosted a "Backyard Blast!" put on our by our church (a mixture of old time Bible clubs and VBS.) We unpacked, did laundry, mowed/weedwacked/weeded, had fun with the Backyard Blast, uploaded pictures, more laundry, we re-packed and hit the road...I'll explain the why in another post. Please just know that I'm not ignoring you all; there just hasn't been much time for writing or reading.

One of the huge benefits of this second road trip is that the kids and I have gotten to spend time with my best friend from college and her family for a few days!

I've introduced you to Lydia before in a previous Titus 2 Post. I am so blessed to have had her (and her family) in my life for over a decade now. Last night we went for a walk/run before bed. (While her WONDERFUL husband watched the kids!) It was supposed to be a run, but we got to talking and I am not in shape enough to talk and run for any length of time so it ended up being a bit more of a walk! :)

She mentioned to me that the Lord had impressed her to be praying John 13:34-35 over her family - both her immediate and extended family.

34"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

So often in family relationships one person will get irritated with another. Grudges are held, words are exchanged (or no words at all are spoken), one loans something or money to another family member and then feels that they have been slighted or taken advantage of, someone tells a family member something in confidence and it gets repeated, etc.

Those we know and love the most can often irritate us the most can't they?

I had always considered this Scripture with personal application. I had never considered it that an entire family unit together could be a testimony by the love shown between cousins, aunts, uncles, etc.

I loved how Lydia is praying specifically that the love between family members would increase and that it would be a testimony of Christ's love to others. What an incredible thing it would be if more of us prayed for our own families in this way...

What have you learned from another wise woman? ALL of us can learn something from one another. Join in and then go read these posts!
**Please write your "Titus 2 Post" linking back to this post first and then enter your link below.**

Blessings to you!

Shanda


6 comments:

Daveda said...

Hello friend! yes, family can irritate, hurt and offend us more than others. I have been growing in this too, realizing that family is always family. The Lord has impressed this upon my heart a lot over the last few months.

The Lord has been showing me,that the key, is the part of that scripture that says "as I have loved you" When we receive more of a revelation of God's love for us, that love overflows into our families. It is so beautiful the work He does in our hearts, bringing unity, reuniting families with a greater, deeper love! Strengthening His body! Thank You Jesus!

Belinda said...

just getting back to blogging and catching up. I love this post I so needed to hear this on John 13 because I am going through the same thing. I am the middle man in our family and everyone hates everyone else. I am determined to get everyone together this year for the holidays. This will surely help.The Word never fails us.

Warren Baldwin said...

"Those we know and love the most can often irritate us the most can't they?"

Well said! I wrote about that on my blog if you get a chance to look at it.

I like your Titus 2 approach. I'm teaching Titus now on an online course for biblical interp. It is a warehouse of spiritual insight and character issues.

Good post.

wb

Kristen said...

I really love your comments, Shanda, and I get so much inspiration from you (and your blog)! Stay safe traveling. I always seem to need to read what I read on your blog. I will concentrate and pray on the love!

Jean Stockdale said...

I am doing some blog hopping and came across your site. I too love to teach and encourage MOMS in the fine art of Christian mothering. I am grateful to meet another woman who shares my convictions and has a heart to impact MOMS for Christ. Press on,faithful one. There is much work to be done in the name of Jesus.

Jean
http://jeanstockdale.tyepad.com

Farmgirl Paints said...

I love that. I really believe that how our families live and operate in the daily stuff is what people see, and greatly affects our witness. What a great scripture to pray over a family. Enjoyed this.

Wishing you safe travels my friend. I miss you too!!