Lion Heart ENCOURAGE – Love is spelt with a T

Intro:

Hey Man of God! True love can be spelt in many different ways, but not least of all it can be spelt T.I.M.E.

In the words of Max Lucado, "Your greatest contribution to the kingdom of God may not be something you do, but someone you raise."

Quality time is one of the most important ingredients to raising Goldy children. There is no substitute. No gift, no ‘good school’, no ‘bank balance’ and definitely no ‘better’ phone or bigger TV can substitute calm, dedicated, quality time spent together.

Encouragement:

Love is Spelt T-I-M-E: A Call to Fathers

In a world that often equates love with material gifts or grand gestures, we must remember that true love is often spelled with four simple letters: T-I-M-E. As fathers and men of faith, we are called to invest our time in those we love, particularly our children and families. This investment is not just about being physically present but also about being emotionally and spiritually engaged.

Our children, especially the young ones, are learning all the time. They are like sponges. Absorbing whatever they are immersed in. If you allow them to be immersed in the toxic waste of the internet and social media, they will absorb that toxicity. If you go to the effort of immersing them in healthy, but often difficult, family time, they will absorb that.

Nurturing healthy families is no small endeavour!

As the leaders of our families, we face an uphill battle, what with we ourselves still on a journey of sanctification, we ourselves still face consequences of sin, we ourselves carry burdens and damage from the past. However, it is our mandate. It is our responsibility. This challenge requires us to even more fervently seek the face of God. It requires us to even more pursue healing, sanctification and guidance. Without change coming in us first, we will NOT be able to bring that change to our families. Seek change in your heart first and then bring that change home.

Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

The Importance of Time in Relationships

The Bible emphasises the significance of time in our relationships. In Ephesians 5:15-16, Paul instructs us to "be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." This scripture reminds us that time is a precious commodity. Each moment we spend with our loved ones is an opportunity to build relationships, impart wisdom, and demonstrate the love of Christ.

One Christian author said “Time is the currency of relationships." When we invest our time in our children, we are not just fulfilling a duty, we are nurturing their hearts and souls.

This investment lays the foundation for their understanding of love, trust, and faith.

Love is best expressed through quality time. To love someone is to spend time with them. As fathers, we must be intentional about creating time and moments that matter. It doesn’t have to be complex. The simpler the better!

The dinner table, an almost spiritual place. The dinner table, the best tool in our toolbox. The place where families can come to life. Where couples can show their affection to each other, in full view of the family. A place where we must linger. No phones! Just fellowship. Push past the noise. Push past the fights and jostling. Get to a place of quiet and calm. Eat, and fellowship. Connect. Each one getting their time, having their place. Belonging. Defend it!

Investing time in our families also has a spiritual dimension. In Deuteronomy 6:6-7, we are commanded to "impress on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." How can we do this if we’re always at work? How can we do this if when at home, we’re all on our screens?

Overcoming Barriers to Time

In our busy lives, it can be challenging to find time for our families. Work commitments, social obligations, and personal interests often compete for our attention. However, we must remember that love requires sacrifice. In 1 John 3:18, we are reminded, "Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."

To overcome barriers to spending time with our families, we can take practical steps:

• Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and family time. Make it a priority to be present during family meals and activities.

• Schedule Family Time. Especially daily dinner. Uninterrupted time at the table. But also arrange simple family events, like going for a walk together just after supper. This is a common practice in our home, and it is glorious! Family walks are a great time to connect.

• Be Intentional: Look for opportunities to engage with your children in everyday activities. Whether it's cooking together or helping with homework, these moments can be filled with love and connection.

Conclusion:

As fathers, we have a profound responsibility to love our families well. By investing our time, we demonstrate the love of Christ and create lasting memories that shape our children's lives. Remember, love is spelled T-I-M-E. Let us commit to being present, engaged, and intentional in our relationships, knowing that every moment spent with our loved ones is a treasure that reflects the heart of God.

Thanks for those your attend this past Saturdays Journey Group, it was truly special. Also, it very encouraging to see that there is interest from men to run their own Journey Groups. If you are interested, please reach out to me at info@hopenation.faith. You are not alone.

If this has blessed you, please forward it to another.

Your Brother in Christ,

Stanley