Righteousness exalts a nation, sin is a disgrace to any people… Proverbs 14:34 Selfishness, unwholesome talk and dishonor are habits that can creep in and take root in our families. By acknowledging and identifying their existence we can take steps to make a change. Although habits will not be broken overnight, we can take steps to change the atmosphere of our homes. Take responsibility for your actions, ask forgiveness and apply these Biblical principles to effect change in your family. Key Scriptures: Romans 7:23-24 NLT But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? There is a power at work in our flesh, but that power was defeated at the cross of Calvary. The same power that rose Jesus from the dead lives in you and I. (Ref. Roman 8:11) Spirit-Guided Relationships: Wives and Husbands Ephesians 5:21 NLT And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. - Submission is rarely a problem in homes where both spouses have a strong relationship with Christ 1st and where each is concerned with the happiness of the other. Romans 12:10 BSB Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another. Galatians 5:13 NLT For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. Ephesians 4:29 NLT Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 5:19 NLT singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. Galatians 5:22-23 NLT But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Ephesians 6:1-4 NLT Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord. Main Points Take Away Selfishness From Your Family The key to harmony in families and in any relationship is selfless, unconditional, Godly serving kind of love.. To break selfishness, serve together.. T.E.A.M. (We Can Do This Together). We can Make it Better!! There is no place for unwholesome talk in your family Avoid the following: profanity, yelling, sarcasm and put downs. Speak word of life, love, hope and admonition When we submit ourselves to the Holy Spirit, he produces Holy Spirit fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control Beware of allowing Dishonor and Exasperation Children are to honor and obey their parents, this brings honor to the family Fathers, provoke not your children to wrath Don’t flow with the times! Don’t over control Don’t forget to encourage Don’t discipline in anger Don’t give passive empty directives
