God give me endurance and encouragement!

For the full context of this post read Romans 14 - 15:13

Today’s families are spending more time together than they have in years! Moms and dads are working from home. Children are homeschooling. Families are cooking dinner together. Empty-nesters homes are bursting at the seams. Coronavirus has us all quarantined! Nerves may be wearing thin. Stress levels may be high. Living quarters may be cramped. What timeless truths can we practice to help us get through these days?

5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God (Romans 15: 5-7).

The apostle Paul wrote these words to encourage Roman believers to get along despite their differences. Paul’s directive holds great value for modern day believers as we strive to embrace each other's differences. Using this same principle in our homes can help us to make it through the seemingly never ending days with our quarantined family members.

God has made us all unique and different, and for many of us, our unique differences have really begun to show! A teenager plays his music too loud. Accept him. A spouse has no idea how to even open the dishwasher, let alone clean up the kitchen. Show him the same attitude you would show Christ. A child has permanently turned the living room into a giant fort. Join her in the hideout. Take a deep breath and ask God to give you endurance to accept those you live with just as Christ has accepted you. These days are hard! If we take up the challenge to practice accepting one another as Paul encouraged us to do, we can bring praise to God, and survive the quarantine!