Living In The Light

January 18, Love Is Home Religion

“Be holy, for I am holy.”
—1 Peter 1:16 LL 24.1

Christ said, “Be ye holy; for I am holy.” “Wherefore, gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace which is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance; but as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:13-16). In many families we hear very little affection expressed. The members of the family seem cold and alienated and regard all manner of expressions of affection as sentimental. There is no need of sentimentalism, but there is need of thoughtful courtesy one toward another, of chaste, ennobling, dignified manifestations of regard. LL 24.2

Many who profess to love God seem to pride themselves on their hardness of heart. In language and action they reveal a character that is an offence to God. The tenderest affection should be cherished in the family circle, and especially between the husband and the wife should thoughtful love and refined courtesy ever be manifested. Brothers and sisters should never act as if they did not love one another; they should learn to restrain hasty words and manifestations of impatience. Every member of the family should manifest kindly affection one for another. LL 24.3

Children should respect and reverence their parents, parents should be kind and affectionate toward their children, and all should seek to make one another happy. In the books of heaven the character of the home circle is recorded by the angels. Meetinghouse religion has no value when there is an absence of home religion. LL 24.4

Parents create the atmosphere of the home circle to a large extent, and when there is disagreement between father and mother, the children partake of the same spirit. Make your home atmosphere fragrant with tender thoughtfulness. If you have become estranged, and have failed to be Bible Christians, be converted, for the character you bear in probationary time will be the character you will have at the coming of Christ. If you would be a saint in heaven, you must first be a saint on earth. — Letter 18b, 1891. LL 24.5

Further Reflection: Why did Ellen White link kindness, courtesy, and love in the home with conversion? What is the fruit of true conversion? LL 24.6