Category: Forgiveness

8 Ways to Enjoy Christmas as Couples

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8 Ways to Enjoy Christmas as Couples

Introduction

 Every Christmas has always been what every family looks up to. As a family, you prepare for this day, get foodstuffs, and new wear for your children, plan vacations and places to go, to have fun, according to your capacity. It’s always a season full of excitement as everyone will be off work a few days to this day which will give couples enough time to connect.

Christmas is a season of love, joy, and reflection. For Christian couples,  it is an opportunity to strengthen their bond and honor the birth of Jesus Christ in ways that glorify God and deepen their relationship. The Bible reminds us that  “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12). Keeping Christ at the center of your relationship can make your Christmas celebrations more meaningful.

As beautiful as this day is, some families still find it difficult to enjoy their Christmas, some prefer to go to friends’ houses rather than spend their day with their spouses. To them, Christmas isn’t exciting and they prefer to go away from their own house and spend time with others due to marital issues. Also, most couples that stay together during Christmas might not recognize that the connection during this time might have a positive effect on their union, instead, they spend the whole time cooking alone, chatting with friends on social media, and a lot more. Some couples are even far away from each other during this period.

Recognizing this, this article will focus on 8 ways to enjoy Christmas as a Couple.

1. Pray Together and Reflect on the Birth of Christ

2. Decorate your Home with a Christ-centered theme

3. Serve Others Together and Create a Tradition of Giving

4. Attend Christmas Service Together

5. Host a Christ-Centered Christmas Dinner

6. Reflect on Your Year Together

7. Set Goals for the New Year

8. End the Year with thanksgiving

1. Pray Together and Reflect on The Birth of Christ

During every Christmas, in my family, we wake up praying together and instead of stepping off the bed to prepare the kids after the morning prayer like we usually do, we stay back and reflect on the Birth of Christ before we prepare the kids and also take our bath in preparation for the Christmas service. In marriage, Prayer is of great importance and is the foundation of every Christian relationship. Begin the Christmas season by praying together, thanking God for the gift of Christ, and seeking His guidance for your plans. The Bible tells us to “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful” (Colossians 4:2). Make your prayer time special by dedicating moments to reflect on God’s blessings throughout the year. Spend time reading and meditating on the Christmas story from the Bible. This will help you focus on the true meaning of the season. Take turns reading the scriptures aloud to create a spiritual atmosphere in your home. This, when practiced, bonds you together as a couple in unimaginable ways.

2. Decorate your home with a Christ-centered theme

Every child admires the radiant color they see on the streets during Christmas and couples should create one for them in their homes. Choose decorations that reflect the biblical significance of Christmas, display nativity scenes and Christian ornaments.  Get a Christmas tree, lights, and flowers, and make your home colorful and welcoming. This should be done by both of you and as you do it, play together with your kids, if you have any. Use your decorations to remind each other and your visitors about the Savior’s birth.

3. Serve Others Together and Create a Tradition of Giving

During Christmas, follow Christ’s example by serving others.  Volunteer at a shelter, donate to charity or visit the less privileged. The word of God reminds us that whatever we do to others, we’re doing all unto God (Matthew 25:40). Sharing acts of kindness as a couple will strengthen our bond and glorify God. Celebrate Christmas by exchanging gifts that reflect your love for others and your faith as a Christian. Consider giving others devotionals, Christian books, symbolic items, and food items as much as you’re capable of. All you have is from God and should be shared with your neighbors having nothing (James 1:17). Extend this tradition by giving to friends and family, emphasizing the joy of giving over receiving, and expressing the love of Christ to people around you.

4. Attend Christmas Services Together

Christmas services are usually beautiful and no family should miss it. Participate in your church’s Christmas events, such as carol services, Christmas Eve worship, or special programs. The word of God emphasizes the importance of fellowshipping with other brethren “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing” (Hebrews 10:25). Use these services to renew your commitment to God and each other, by so doing, you’re expressing your love for God and at the same time, celebrating the birth of Christ with your family.

5. Host a Christ-Centered Christmas Dinner

During Christmas, you can invite family and friends to a dinner focused on fellowship and faith. This may not necessarily be an elaborate dinner, it may simply be between you and your siblings with their families, like a family reunion. During this dinner, share testimonies and pray together. Also, it may be with strangers in your neighborhood, they can be called and as they come, you witness Christ to them. The Bible says “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers” (Hebrews 13:2). Ensure that your gathering highlights gratitude for Christ’s love and ensure it’s also a means to win more souls.

6. Reflect on Your Year Together

At night, when activities with others cease, use the time to review your year as a couple. Thank God for the milestones you’ve achieved, reflect on all you’ve acquired in the year, the challenges you have overcome, all that God added to your lives and home in the new year, your spiritual life, and commit your plans to Him (Proverbs 3:6). After doing this, write down your reflections and prayers as a couple.

7.  Set Goals for the New Year

The Christmas season is also a time to set new goals for the new year approaching. Set spiritual and personal goals for your relationship and align them with God’s purpose. Set goals on your spiritual walk with God, your finances, your career, your business, your vision and assignments, and all you desire to achieve in other areas of your life. After doing this, place it before the Lord and commit all into His hand (Proverbs 16:3). Pray over these goals and ensure to hold each other accountable and remind each other regularly.

8.  End the Year with thanksgiving

This season comes with a joyful feeling, reminding us that the new year is close. This alone clothes us with a garment of thanksgiving and gratitude to God for seeing us through a whole year. Conclude your Christmas celebrations by expressing gratitude to God for His blessings and faithfulness throughout the year. The Bible tells us to “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Create a list of blessings and thank God together as a family and this should not only be done during this season but should become a tradition in your home.

Conclusion

Christmas is more than just a holiday; it is a sacred celebration of God’s love through the gift of Jesus Christ. By embracing these 8 ways to enjoy Christmas as a couple, you both will strengthen your relationship, glorify God, and share His love with others. The Bible says “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him (Colossians 3:17). My prayer for you is this, may this season bring you closer to God and each other as you celebrate the birth of our Savior in Jesus name. Merry Christmas!

The effects of praying for others

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The effects of praying for others

 

Praying for others is a way to Pray for yourself. When you intercede for others, you cultivate compassion, humility, and a deeper understanding of God’s love. Jesus taught in Matthew 25:40: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Praying for others aligns you with God’s heart for humanity and strengthens your relationship with Him. Additionally, as you lift others up in prayer, you also invite God’s blessings and favor into your own life. Proverbs 11:25 says, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Therefore, praying for others not only benefits them but also enriches your own spiritual life.

 

  1. Aligning with God’s Heart: Interceding for others demonstrates love and empathy, aligning with God’s heart through interceding for others is supported biblically. Philippians 2:4 states, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.” This verse emphasizes the importance of selflessness and concern for others, reflecting God’s heart for humanity. By interceding for others, we emulate Christ’s love and compassion, aligning ourselves with His divine purpose of seeking the well-being of others. It fosters empathy, humility, and a deeper understanding of God’s love, ultimately drawing us closer to Him and His desires for humanity.

 

  1. Spiritual Growth: praying for others fosters spiritual growth, as supported biblically in Ephesians 6:18, which says, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” This verse encourages believers to pray for one another, emphasizing the importance of intercession in the Christian walk. By lifting others in prayer, individuals grow in compassion, humility, and love, mirroring the character of Christ. It deepens our relationship with God, as we align our hearts with His will and purpose, contributing to our spiritual maturity and growth.

 

  1. Reciprocity of Blessings: Jesus teaches in Luke 6:38 that as you give, you will receive. Praying for others invites God’s blessings into one’s own life, as supported biblically in Luke 6:38, which says, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” This principle of reciprocity underscores the idea that blessings flow from generosity. When individuals intercede for others, they participate in God’s work of blessing and healing, and in return, they experience His abundant provision and favor in their own lives. It reflects the spiritual principle that as they sow seeds of prayer and blessing, they also reap a harvest of blessings from God.

 

  1. Refreshing Others and Yourself: Proverbs 11:25 affirms that whoever refreshes others will themselves be refreshed. When you Pray for others, you’re offering them spiritual refreshment, comfort, and encouragement. In doing so, you also invite God’s refreshing presence into your own life. This principle highlights the reciprocal nature of Prayer and the Spiritual blessings that result from selflessly interceding for others. By investing in the well-being and spiritual growth of others through Prayer, you also benefit personally as you experience the joy, peace, and renewal that come from aligning with God’s heart and participating in His work of love and compassion.

 

  1. Building Spiritual Community: Praying for others strengthens relationships and builds spiritual community, fostering unity among believers. As stated in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, believers are encouraged to “encourage one another and build each other up.” When individuals intercede for each other in prayer, they demonstrate care, support, and solidarity within the faith community. This practice fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie among believers, deepening their relationships and promoting unity. Additionally, praying for others cultivates empathy, compassion, and understanding, as individuals share in each other’s joys, burdens, and concerns before God. Ultimately, this collective prayer strengthens the bond of fellowship and encourages mutual spiritual growth and encouragement among believers.

Walking in love builds a sense of community and unity

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Faith in God grows when you walk in love because love is at the core of a relationship with Him. In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” When we prioritize love in our daily interactions with others, we are embodying the essence of God’s commandments and showing our faith in action. By actively seeking to love and serve those around us, we demonstrate our trust in God’s plan and His ability to work through us.

 

Furthermore, walking in love helps us to see God’s hand in our lives and in the world around us. 1 John 4:12 states, “No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” When we choose to love others unconditionally, we open ourselves up to experiencing the presence of God in our hearts and in our relationships. This deepens our faith and strengthens our connection to Him as we witness His love flowing through us and touching the lives of those we encounter.

 

In addition, walking in love cultivates a spirit of humility and surrender, which are essential components of faith. Philippians 2:3-4 encourages us to, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” By putting the needs and well-being of others before our own desires, we demonstrate our trust in God’s plan and acknowledge His sovereignty over our lives. This act of selflessness and submission strengthens our faith as we surrender our will to His and trust in His perfect love and wisdom.

 

Moreover, walking in love builds a sense of community and unity among believers, creating a supportive environment for spiritual growth. Galatians 5:6 affirms that “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” As we come together in love and fellowship, we are able to encourage one another in our faith journeys and bear each other’s burdens. Showing love and compassion to our brothers and sisters in Christ helps us to build a strong foundation of faith that is rooted in mutual support and accountability. This collective expression of faith through love strengthens our individual beliefs and helps us to grow together as a unified body of believers.

Walking in love is a demonstration of faith

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Certainly! Walking in love is often seen as a demonstration of one’s faith in God because it reflects the teachings of Jesus Christ and the essence of Christianity. Walking in love can foster the growth of faith in God as it aligns with His nature and teachings.

1 John 4:12 (NIV): “No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is made complete in us.” This verse suggests that when we love others, we manifest God’s presence in our lives, which deepens our awareness of Him and strengthens our faith.

Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV): Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” By imitating God’s love, as demonstrated through Jesus Christ, we draw closer to Him and grow in our understanding of His character, leading to increased faith.

1 Corinthians 13:2 (NIV): “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” This verse emphasizes that love is foundational to all other spiritual gifts and virtues, suggesting that walking in love is essential for genuine faith.

Galatians 5:6 (NIV): “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” This passage implies that true faith is demonstrated and validated by acts of love, suggesting that as we walk in love, our faith becomes more authentic and robust.

Colossians 3:14 (NIV):”And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Love is portrayed as the unifying force that holds together all other virtues, indicating that as we cultivate love in our lives, our faith and other spiritual qualities are strengthened and integrated.

By actively practicing love towards others, in accordance with biblical teachings, individuals not only reflect God’s character but also deepen their relationship with Him, resulting in the growth and maturation of their faith.

Reasons why faith in God can grow when you walk in love

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Here are a few reasons why faith in God can grow when you walk in love:

 

  1. Walking in love reflects the character of God: 1 John 4:16 says, “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” When we walk in love, we are embodying God’s very nature, which can help us grow closer to Him and deepen our faith.

 

  1. Love enables us to fulfill God’s commandments: In John 14:15, Jesus says, “If you love me, keep my commands.” Walking in love with others is a way of obeying God’s command to love one another, which can lead to a stronger faith in Him.

 

  1. Love fosters a sense of unity and community: Romans 12:10 encourages us to “be devoted to one another in love.” When we show love and kindness to others, we contribute to a sense of unity and connectedness within the body of Christ, which can strengthen our faith in God.

 

  1. Love overcomes obstacles and challenges: In 1 Corinthians 13:7, it says that love “always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” Walking in love can help us overcome personal struggles, conflicts, and adversities, leading to a deeper trust and faith in God’s faithfulness.

 

  1. Love is a reflection of God’s love for us: 1 John 4:19 reminds us that “We love because He first loved us.” When we experience and share love with others, we are participating in the love that God has shown us, which can increase our faith in His love and provision for us.

 

Overall, walking in love can lead to a growing faith in God by reflecting His character, enabling us to fulfill His commandments, fostering unity and community, overcoming challenges, and reminding us of His unconditional love for us.

YOU HAVE GOT TO TRULY FORGIVE

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YOU HAVE GOT TO TRULY FORGIVE

YOU HAVE GOT TO TRULY FORGIVEHello! Heirs of God, it’s Easter time, a time we celebrate in remembrance and thankfulness of the liberation, freedom, peace, and life that Jesus made possible through His death and resurrection.

But should you celebrate with a wounded heart? Or how would you celebrate having wounded the heart of someone else? Would you call it true joy if the redemptive works of your Savior and Lord are replaced by the memories of your past? the resentments? the bitterness? the unforgiveness? the refusal to let go of your hurts or those who hurt you? Does any of what you’ve just read reflect freedom to you? Sincerely speaking, if you rejoice during Easter with anything that looks like what we have just described above, it means you have not truly understood the reason for the season.

This season is all about freedom. Freedom from anything that enslaves— from sin to self, to people and works. And no one brings about this freedom but Jesus Christ. It’s the Son of God that sets free, and he whom the Son sets free is indeed a free person (John 8:36). Only free people understand the reason for this season. Only free people can be thankful to God. What is it that is holding you from experiencing this new-found freedom in Christ available to you?

Beloved child of God, Easter is the time of the resurrection of Christ. It is a time of life, peace, and joy. This moment brings new life to people generally and specifically, to emotionally wounded people. This new life is a fresh start made possible by the act of forgiveness.

Limiting Your World

 Are you aware of the fact that when you do not forgive someone, you limit your world? Do you know that when you do not forgive someone, you are living in misery? Yeah, with the spirit of unforgiveness, you trap your liberty, peace, and joy within yourself. And you can not move forward with your life without carrying the past along with you.

 The past becomes a heavy bag of trash on you that would normally have been emptied. Think about that for a moment! With the spirit of unforgiveness, every time that you see the person who hurt you, you feel hurt because the story returns to your heart. The issue seems to resurface every time your mind thinks of it. It would feel and be like it just happened a moment ago. Oh no, child of God, you shouldn’t live that way. It is necessary to empty the trash bag, beloved, and move on.

Makes The Body Unwell

To not forgive someone can be detrimental to your health. It can cause sickness to the body, do you know that? Perhaps the reason you’re sick or in pain is because you have not forgiven those who have hurt you in the past.

The lack of forgiveness can undoubtedly kill someone. It can cause your death before your actual time, do you know that? Living with these emotional scars can stress your life and reduce your youth, of course.

Easter And The Power To Forgive

Easter time brings a strong power that facilitates people to forgive. The Easter season provides a great demonstration of the spirit of forgiveness. Easter was the moment of human weakness but also the greatest moment that humans received God’s forgiveness.

 All those people who hurt Jesus received forgiveness during the Easter season.  Apostle Peter denied Jesus three times consistently. And that hurt Jesus, but Jesus forgave Peter during the Easter period. Thomas also hurt Him as he doubted Jesus, but Jesus forgave him too. He did not throw him out, nor did He put an end to the relationship between them.

The people who crucified Jesus on the cross were forgiven too by Jesus. In fact, Jesus had no emotional trash on him before his death. What an example that Jesus gives us to forgive those who hurt us. He also literally asks us to forgive others, and it’s possible (Colossians 3:13). We can forgive because we are a forgiven people.

In Him Because Of Forgiveness

 Are you aware that you are in Christ because of the power of forgiveness? Because of the fact that you’re forgiven, I mean. Yes, it’s true. God has forgiven you of your sins. That’s why you stand in His grace. But by standing in His grace, you are asked to forgive one another as Christ forgave you (Colossians 3:13).

There is no Easter without the spirit of forgiveness. It would be an act of hypocrisy if you rejoice in Easter when you know you have not forgiven certain people you should have forgiven. For there is no Easter without the spirit of forgiveness, are you with me? Easter was possible because there was a forgiving spirit in Jesus Christ.

Before dying, the very last words of Jesus were: “Father forgive them for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). You see clearly that Jesus was not seeking revenge but how to forgive those who hurt Him. This is the spirit of forgiveness. It’s what we’re talking about. To forgive is very powerful and also spiritual.

An Act Pregnant With Power

 That act of forgiving is pregnant with power. The act of forgiveness has the potential power to free anyone. The act of forgiveness has the potential power to free yourself. To forgive someone is one thing but to forgive yourself is something else. And the easiest way to forgive yourself and release your liberty is to forgive others. Therefore, forgive others from your heart so that you too may be released. This Easter season is a time to truly forgive from the heart.

If you have difficulties to forgive, now is the time to do so. Because it is Easter. Are you willing to release yourself? Are you willing to continue your new life without the memory of the past? Then you must forgive all those who have hurt you. Think of all who have hurt you in the past. Are you ready to begin a new life without keeping the hurtful thoughts of the past in your mind? Are you ready to put your emotions on the Word of God and forgive them? Then pray this prayer sincerely below.

“God our Father, the light of this Easter season has shone in my heart. I can now see why Jesus forgave all those who hurt Him. I can now see why Jesus forgives people who still make mistakes today.

“Heavenly Father, You know how I was hurt by my friends… (you can name them here). You know the evil they did to me (you may name some if you want to). But today, before you Lord and to honor your word, I choose to forgive them from the bottom of my heart, just as Jesus has forgiven me.

“I refuse to think evil against those who hurt me. I refuse to speak evil against them. I also refuse resentment in any form. I choose to put my mind on your Word and free myself from past mistakes and hurts. I choose to release my mind from all evil linked to the past. And I also ask you to forgive me of any mistake I might have done to others and to you Lord my God.

“Father, I also pray for all those who have hurt me for you to forgive them just as you have forgiven me this day. Heavenly Father, help me also to live better for you, with no memory of the past, with no memory of the evil perpetrated against me in Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen. Thank you, God, for giving me a new beginning. Thank you for my new life. (You may continue to worship God as the Spirit leads you).

May The Lord Bless You, Richly, and Happy Easter!

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