House Rules

Years ago, a mentor/friend of mine asked me if my family had a list of rules that were scripturally based, by which we wanted to conduct our family life. At the time, I didn't have a clue what she was talking about. And that's when she shared her family's list with me. It blew my mind! But from her list, I started composing my own family's list. I came up with a few core values that I hoped my family could aspire to live by, and eventually came up with my own list. I displayed it in my home for years. But at some point, the list got taken down. I'm honestly not sure why. So this morning, I was cleaning out the guest bedroom closet, and there it was... the list of house rules that I'd come up with years ago. These days, this list seems so much more important to my family than it ever did before. And so, I'll share with you the list of my family's house rules, and the scriptures that go along with the rules.

Always be honest. Proverbs 12:22 (The Lord detests lying lips, but delights in those who are truthful.)

Show respect. 1 Peter 2:17 (Show proper respect to everyone.)

Count your blessings. Psalms 34:1-3 (I will praise the Lord at all times. My soul will rejoice in the Lord. Let us exalt his name together.)

Bear each other's burdens. Galatians 6:2 (Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.)

Forgive and forget. Micah 7:18 (God pardons sins and forgives transgressions. Therefore, do not stay angry, but delight in showing mercy.)

Be kind and compassionate. Ephesians 4:32 (Be kind and compassionate to each other, forgiving each other just as Christ forgave you.)

Comfort each other. 2 Corinthians 1:4 (God comforts us in all our troubles, so that we may comfort others with the same comfort that God has given us.)

Keep your promises. Romans 4:21 (God has the power to do what He has promised.)

Help each other. Hebrews 10:25 (Let us not give up on each other, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another.)

Share with each other. 1 Timothy 6:18 (Be rich in good deeds, and be generous and willing to share.)

Be patient and kind. 1 Corinthians 13:4 (Love is patient and kind.)

Listen and accept advise. Proverbs 19:20 (Listen to advise and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.)

Be thankful. Colossians 3:15 (Always be thankful, letting the peace of Christ rule your hearts.)

Look after each other. Deuteronomy 15:11 (I command you to be open-handed towards your brothers, the poor and the needy.)

Love each other deeply, from the heart. 1 Peter 1:22 (Now obeying the truth and abiding in sincere love, love one another deeply, from the heart.)