Genuine Affection

Wow! It's been a long time since I have written and I have missed it so. Life sometimes throws us a curveball and that is certainly what happened to us this year. As most of you know, my husband hurt his back in January and was out of work until just last month. Thank God, he is back at work full time now and doing well.

I wanted to share something that God has laid on my heart this week with you guys. Earlier today, I was looking for a verse for our family to memorize this week and came across Romans 12:10. The verse reads, "Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other." What a message!

The word genuine really caught my attention. I began to ask myself if I show my family genuine affection as often as I should. The word genuine means "sincerely and honestly felt."

Of course, I love my family more than I could ever put into words. They are my everything. However, I often get caught up in day to day life and fail to take delight in honoring them.

I believe that God longs for us to love each other in the same that Jesus loves us. He wants us to love each other unconditionally and genuinely. He wants us to delight in each other the way that He delights in us.

Proverbs 37:23-24 "If the LORD delights in a man's way,he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand."

This verse tells us that God's desire is to see us walk in favor with Him. Because He delights in His children, He has promised goodness and mercy.

What are some ways that you can show your family and loved ones genuine affection?

* Make them a priority. Let them know that they matter and come before other things in your life such as your job or hobbies.

* Tell them you love them and show that love with your actions.

* Spend quality time doing things that THEY enjoy.

* Pray that God will give you a servant's heart when it comes to your family and allow you to love them in a way that is reflective of Jesus' love for you.

I know that I am going to spend time this week meditating on this verse and asking God to remind me daily to genuinely love my family and take delight in honoring them. Take some time to write this verse down where your entire family can see it and claim it over your household. God will do amazing things when we pray scripture over our families and our lives.

Words of Worth:

"If the LORD delights in a man's way,he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand." Proverbs 37:23-24

"Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other." Romans 12:10

Some Things to Think About:

What does genuine affection mean to you?

What are some practical ways that you can honor your family?

When was the last time you actually took delight in honoring someone that you love?

Have a great week!

Blessings,
Andi McNair
mcnairandrea@aol.com