Charity begins at home, but should not end there.
~Thomas Fuller
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But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.
1 Timothy 5:4
“Thus says the LORD of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another,
do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart.”
Zechariah 7:9-10
(Scripture cited from ESV)
While I know it is God’s desire for believers to care for others beyond the sphere of close family and friends, my “missional” ideas often overlook those whom I contact on a daily basis. But the practice of genuine love (or “charity” in KJV) can be clearly seen in kind and cheerful behavior toward those I encounter in everyday life. These are the ones who are likely to have seen me in my weakest or least attractive moments, and will probably most readily note how the Lord works His will in my heart. It is worth considering that perhaps the greatest impact a wife/mother has is in faithful home-making focus.
There are innumerable ways to learn to love deeper and more intensely without ever leaving home. Then, without relaxing my effort to serve my family, I need to look for ways to extend love to neighbors and even strangers–particularly those who share a profession of faith in Christ. As I’m rather introverted, this is not a “natural” tendency. But I know it can be done if I continue to draw near to the Lord and wait for the Spirit to direct me.
Heather, this is something I have thought of and often felt guilty about, because sometimes there wasn’t a way to do more for others outside the home without neglecting my family . .. or asking them to sacrifice when they weren’t in a place to really understand that. And while I may look good to someone else then, by loving and serving others, things aren’t so okay at home. I think that God shows each person and each family how to do more for others in context to there own situations.
I found my girls liked to bake, and so we would make things to give to the neighbors and others. A small a thing. And I would write letters and sent cards to people because I couldn’t do things for them in person or even talk to them much on the phone. God bless you and your precious family!
Oh, Debbie! Your description of doing things with your children so that you may together bless others is a wonderful application This is a practice I’ve been trying to work on more. It is not easy with my “I’ll do it myself” personality, but definitely something I believe would honor the Lord. I hope for you also that God’s presence and favor is felt on an ever deeper level.