I remember there was a time in my life that I didn’t like to visit some other Christian homes apart from my parent’s home and my uncle’s home because every other home I went to was hostile. The spiritual and physical atmosphere was not conducive. I was quite young then but as I grew i got to understand some things.
A home is the relationship of its members, not a physical building. Home is something deeper; it is connected to the people who lived there. The story of a particular couple in the bible resonates so much with a perfect example of a home that is a refuge.
The story of Priscilla and Aquila in the bible is a good example for us. They were instrumental in helping to establish the early church. They invited apollos into their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. Acts 18. They are a perfect example of a home that is a refuge. They were couples committed to Christ. They built upon a home with Christ as the head and gave all for God’s kingdom. They opened up their home as a meeting place and actively pursued any opportunity to add to God’s kingdom. Joshua 24:15
Priscilla and Aquila may not have been a popular public speakers but they were diligent students of the word and they also share with others. The home should be a place where the family gathers. A home should be comforting. A believer’s home should be a place of refuge from the storms of life, a place of order, a place where people feel free to be themselves, a place of welcome and blessing.
God does not only wants families to be saved but also serve. Opening one’s home does not only incur extra financial costs, but also a lot of time and energy. So Christian homes should be welcoming to guest. Always create time in the home to study and pray together.
Some of us might not be powerful preachers but can be faithful students of the word and our homes can be open to people whose hearts are hungry to hear the word. Though we have church buildings, there is still no substitute for the home as a center of evangelism and spiritual nurture in the community. The possibilities of us using our homes to serve the Lord are unlimited.
A believer’s home should be a home that supports Christ and devotes the time and energy for it. A home that forgives and teaches how to forgive one another. There is no one that does not have short comings but we need to forgive one another often, everyone needs forgiveness from a closed one. Blessed is the home where forgiveness is used often! Forgiveness sets the atmosphere at home. It creates a loving and warm atmosphere at home.
The apostles in the bible went from house to house fellowshipping with other brethren and breaking bread. Our homes should offer a calm and warm welcoming where love abounds. A believer’s home should reflect a good personality and style.
A home that is a refuge should be a place where burdens are lifted when they come in contact with the couples.
A home where works of the flesh can’t survive!! A Christian home not only by tag but by deeds! A home that harbours love,peace and unity!
May God give us Christian homes!
If your home is still falling short of been a place to rest and refresh, ask the Lord for mercy and grace to truly make your home a refuge for many!
Shalom
