RESTORING

MY FAMILY
2022

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Revised, edited, and designed by the General Conference Family Department
International Missionary Society Seventh-day Adventist Church Reform Movement.

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 RESTORING
MY FAMILY
INDEX
Introduction

1. Hidden Enemies / May 7 / 5

Elder Woonsan Kang / South Korea

2. Love Is Not Imposed, It Is Earned / May 12 / 11

Pastor Rosas Calderon / Peru

3. Love Without Lies / May 13 / 19

Pastor Juan Quezada / Chile

4. Face To Face / May 14 / 24

Pastor Pablo Hunger / USA

5. Respect: It Is Not Required, It Is Given / May 15 / 31

Pastor Joseph Suganob / Philippines

6. Breaking Down Barriers / May 21 / 36

Sister Raquel Orce / USA

7. Restoring My Family / May 28 / 41

Pastor Adalicio Fontes / Portugal

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 INTRODUCTION tomorrow could be late! Tomorrow
doesn’t belong to us; today is the
time to rebuild our homes, today is
Never before in human history it the time to rescue our children, be-
was necessary to consider the fam- cause when we love in God’s grace,
ily with such a great importance anything is possible. To love in the
and value as in our times. grace brings us to experience great
miracles in the restoration of the
The family is a pillar established families we considered lost; to love
by God with a purpose to progress in the grace is the most sublime
and grow on a personal and social love that helps us to understand
way, being conscious that every- that this divine principle is an un-
one must assume his responsibil- conditional principle where we can
ity in the execution of the values participate in forgiveness and res-
and principles established by God toration of many wounds we suf-
as a mean of protection and hap- fered throughout our lives.
piness. In our days, we can see how
the family has been Satan’s target The restoration, the uprising and
creating anti-biblical ideas, cul- humanity begin in the family. Soci-
tures affecting the development ety is made up of families, and they
of protection. God urgently needs will be that, what the heads of fam-
families to unite in the same faith, ilies will do out of them. Life flows
the same spirit, being guided by the from the heart (Proverbs 4:23), and
principles of love based in 1 Corin- the family is the heart of the society,
thians 13. the success of the church depends
on the influence of the family (MC
Love must be the foundation of 0269.1) The Family Department of
any family construction, the inner the General Conference desires
strength that brings through great that these readings could be a
challenges that it puts up; many great blessing for your families and
families are broken because of the churches.
lack of love and forgiveness. God
needs today united families more Family Department
than ever, we need to be in peace of the General Conference
and harmony with our loved ones,

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 reading

-1-

HIDDEN ENEMIES

Elder Woonsan Kang / South Korea

MAY 7

T
he home is an institution are facing destruction and disinte-
of God. God designed that gration. Young people avoid mar-
the family circle, father, riage according to social trends
mother, and children, and are reluctant to have children
should exist in this world after marriage. The divorce rate of
as a firm.’ - Manuscript 36, 1899. couples who started with blessings
from relatives and friends is also
reaching a high level. To make mat-
Destruction and ters worse, more and more children
Disintegration of Family are being hurt and abandoned as a
result.
Satan began his attack from Eden
because the home was an institu- Incidents against humanity such as
tion of God. And the attack is suc- murder, infidelity, violence and dis-
ceeding. We can see the result, and crimination are taking place within
it is the same in Korea. the family. In addition, the number
of elderly people living alone with-
Many families in Korean society
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out family care is increasing. Rec- ing alone. It is also manifested by
ognizing that the family is the unit indifference among family mem-
of social construction and the foun- bers, indifference to the church and
dation of the state, this phenome- members, and a decrease in trust.
non is a serious crisis. Even within
the Church of God, such family de- Sister White warns us as follows;
struction is occurring without ex- ‘The liberties taken in this age of cor-
ception. ruption should be no criterion for
Christ’s followers. These fashionable
The need for Rebuilding of exhibitions of familiarity should not
the family exist among Christians fitting for
immortality. If lasciviousness, pol-
Any attempt to destroy the family lution, adultery, crime, and murder
is a challenge to the order God has are the order of the day among those
established. Satan is doing his best who know not the truth, and who
to destroy the family as well as the refuse to be controlled by the prin-
Sabbath. According to worldly val- ciples of God’s word, how important
ues, people downplay the holiness that the class professing to be fol-
of marriage and are unable to es- lowers of Christ, closely allied to God
cape from self-centeredness. As and angels, should show them a bet-
a result, marriage and divorce are ter and nobler way! How important
viewed as human choices that have that by their chastity and virtue they
nothing to do with God. The move- stand in marked contrast to that
ment of dismantling the family is class who are controlled by brute
accelerating even more in modern passions!’ - 2T 459.
times. single and living together.
One-parent families and an in- Beginning of Family
crease in the number of elderly liv- Rebuilding
ing alone due to divorce are such
phenomena. The appearance of the The rebuilding of the family
modern family away from the tra- begins with the rebuilding
ditional conception of the family of our relationship with
is changing into a very diverse and Christ. The reason for us-
serious form. Members of this dis- ing the word rebuilding
organized family are moving away instead of the word re-
from even the church. A family cri- covery is that it is not a
sis is also a church crisis. simple recovery, but
a strong relationship
The consequences of family de- that cannot be shak-
struction are not limited to single en. The rebuilding
and cohabitation, single-parent of the home is the
families due to divorce, and an in- approach of all
crease in the number of elderly liv-

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members of the family to Christ. In ones have been lost, and the eco-
other words, each member of the nomic damage is enormous.
family must be personally united Even in the rebuilding of the family,
with Christ. there are enemies who are hidden
‘The cause of division and discord and obstructed without being seen.
in families and in the church is sep- There is a word in the Bible that in-
aration from Christ. To come near structs us to be on the lookout for
to Christ is to come near to one an- enemies that wait and hide like a
other. The secret of true unity in virus.
the church and in the family is not
diplomacy, not management, not a “For among my people are found
superhuman effort to overcome dif- wicked men: they lay wait, as he that
ficulties--though there will be much setteth snares; they set a trap, they
of this to do--but union with Christ. catch men” (Jer 5:26). “Their tongue
Picture a large circle, from the edge is as an arrow shot out; it speaketh
of which are many lines all running deceit: one speaketh peaceably to
to the center. The nearer these lines his neighbour with his mouth, but
approach the center, the nearer they in heart he layeth his wait” (Jer 9:8).
are to one another. Thus it is in the
Christian life. The closer we come The invisible enemy hides and waits,
to Christ, the nearer we shall be to eventually revealing the reality. It is
one another. God is glorified as His like Corona 19, which goes through
people unite in harmonious action.’ an incubation period of up to two
- Letter 49, 1904. weeks, and then causes pneumonia
‘Man’s great danger is in being symptoms, which threatens even
self-deceived, indulging self-suf- life. The hidden enemy of family re-
ficiency, and thus separating from building is a virus that is more ter-
God, the source of his strength. Our rifying than a virus, it is like a spiri-
natural tendencies, unless correct- tual virus. Just as worms eat away at
ed by the Holy Spirit of God, have in a person’s body, it makes a person’s
them the seeds of moral death. Un- body and spirit very exhausted and
less we become vitally connected makes it fundamentally impossible
with God, we cannot resist the un- to rebuild a family.
hallowed effects of self-indulgence,
self-love, and temptation to sin.’ - Complaints between family
MH 455. members
The Hidden Enemy of family Christ teaches not to gossip, it
Rebuilding means he says not to complain. “Je-
sus therefore answered and said
COVID-19 is a virus. The virus is in- unto them, Murmur not among
visible, but it has changed a lot in yourselves” (John 6:43).
the world in two years. Many loved More specifically, Sr. E. White said

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‘Many who profess to gather with tagious invisible thing. When we
Christ are scattering from Him. procrastinate on praying and hav-
This is why the church is so weak. ing morning and evening services,
Many indulge freely in criticism it spreads very quickly to the whole
and accusing. By giving expression family. And when some of the fam-
to suspicion, jealousy, and discon- ily members break and disobey
tent, they yield themselves as in- God-given principles, it spreads in-
struments to Satan,’ - COL 340. credibly quickly. We may find that
our children disobey God’s prin-
This principle also applies between ciples and teachings because of
families. When family grievances school and work. At this time, the
begin, direct dialogue is necessary family should clearly exhort them
to resolve them. But in some cases to obey even if it means death.
it doesn’t. The results of this do not
appear so quickly. However, once Israel’s experience of disobey-
the results are heard, it is difficult ing God’s commands tells us, that
to recover. as the tribes of Benjamin did not
drive out the Jebusites, the tribes of
I want to tell you my experience. I had Manasseh, Ephraim, Zebulon, Ash-
a very difficult relationship with my er, and Naphtali were contagious,
wife a long time ago. In fact, our fam- and we can find in the Bible that
ily almost collapsed. The biggest mis- they disobeyed God’s command.
take I made back then was that I didn’t
speak directly. If you talk to someone “And the children of Benjamin did
close to you, such as a friend, without not drive out the Jebusites that
speaking directly, you almost always inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jeb-
fail. However, when we met in person usites dwell with the children of
and tried to understand each other’s Benjamin in Jerusalem unto this
position, our problems were solved, day” (Judge 1:21).
and miraculously, my wife chose the
Remnant Church of God. Without It should be clear to us that disobe-
any persuasion or teaching, my wife dience is the invisible enemy of our
took up the Reform Movement (IMS) choice. Even the youngest children
herself, and she is now my biggest must be taught to obey in order for
collaborator. We should remember the family to glorify God. Here are
that with every word of complaint the words of the prophet. ‘We do not
and nagging, our homes are going know what great interests may be
into the grave. at stake in the proving of God. There
is no safety except in strict obe-
Disobedience dience to the word of God. All His
promises are made upon condition
The second invisible enemy is dis- of faith and obedience, and a failure
obedience. This is the most con- to comply with His commands cuts

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off the fulfillment to us of the rich We must listen to our families, just
provisions of the Scriptures. We as we must listen to God. In this
should not follow impulse, nor rely way, you can be freed from indif-
on the judgment of men; we should ference. For this reason, we should
look to the revealed will of God and intentionally make time with our
walk according to His definite com- families and make sure we care for
mandment, no matter what cir- each other.
cumstances may surround us. God
will take care of the results’ - PP 618. ‘Fathers should unbend from their
false dignity, deny themselves some
Indifference slight self-gratification in time and
leisure, in order to mingle with the
One of the family’s greatest invis- children, sympathizing with them
ible enemies is indifference. We in their little troubles, binding them
should take care of each other. Even to their hearts by the strong bonds
if there are problems in the family, of love, and establishing such an in-
the family can be happy and can be fluence over their expanding minds
restored only when they are inter- that their counsel will be regarded
ested in each other. as sacred.’ -ST Dec. 6, 1877.

“Give ye ear, and hear my voice; How to win the invisible

hearken, and hear my speech” (Isa enemy
28:23)
We all need to wake up. Just
We must realize the fear of indiffer- like wearing a mask to prevent
ence. The Bible tells us that David COVID-19, we must be aware of the
loved Absalom very much, and he invisible, and we must be alert. The
had never had a crush on him. But idea that my husband, my wife and
David’s indifference toward Absa- my children are to allow an invisible
lom resulted in his son being dis- enemy to invade.
obedient, the greatest disgrace in
a world where son and father went “Be sober, be vigilant; because your
to war with swords. We’ll have to adversary the devil, as a roaring
reconsider how much influence lion, walketh about, seeking whom
interest can have. If I take an active he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
interest, the blocked relationship
will be resolved coolly. When I care We must strive for the rebuilding of
and give love, the person will not the family. Missionary work is im-
spare himself for me. If you are in- portant to us, but we need to spend
terested, your soul can be healthy more time and effort on our fam-
and your family can be rebuilt in a ilies. The principles of God should
healthy and happy way. be studied at home with husbands,
wives, and children. Learning should

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be done at home, not just through The home is to be the place of
church leaders at church. greatest fighting power against Sa-
tan. Then the church will natural-
Family members should pray. ly stand firm. We must overcome
Morning and evening, and from the complaints, the disobedience
time to time, we should gather to- and indifference that now prevail
gether to pray. The Lord has given in God’s remnant church. Through
us all the teachings for the rebuild- this, order should be established
ing of the family. It’s just that we’re in the home. The order of loving
ignoring it. Perhaps it is more ur- each other and putting God and the
gently needed for the whole family church first must be established
to gather together in the morning from children to adults.
and evening to pray rather than a ‘God is displeased with disorder,
seminar rather than a sermon. The slackness, and a lack of thorough-
prophet exhorts us to pray. ness in anyone. These deficiencies
are serious evils, and tend to wean
‘The Holy One has given us rules the affections of the husband from
for the guidance of all. These rules the wife when the husband loves
form the standard from which there order, well-disciplined children,
can be no departure. The principles and a well-regulated house. A wife
of holiness have yet to be learned and mother cannot make home
daily, and then the will of God will agreeable and happy unless she
become paramount. In God you can possesses a love for order, pre-
stand, in God you can make aggres- serves her dignity, and has good
sive warfare, presenting the truth government; therefore all who fail
as it is in Jesus. ...Make God your on these points should begin at
entire trust. Pray, pray, pray, pray once to educate themselves in this
in faith. Trust then the keeping of direction, and cultivate the very
your soul to God. He will keep that things wherein is their greatest
which is committed to Him against lack.’- 2T 298, 299.
that day. ...Trust fully, unwaveringly Amen.
in God.’ - Letter 126, 1895.

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 reading

-2-

LOVE IS NOT IMPOSED,

IT IS EARNED

Pastor Rosas Calderon / Peru

MAY 12

H
ow are you? I’m so hap- in return. My instant thought was
py to be joining you at that love is earned, not imposed.
this time as we speak A King of Prussia named Freder-
about this thought ick reigned in the 18th century.
today: “LOVE IS NOT When he was already an old man,
IMPOSED, IT IS EARNED.” Isn’t it a he would often take a walk alone
wonderful thing to spend time with through the streets of Berlin. But
our family? I hope that this mes- his subjects fled from him.
sage may be a blessing for you. It is said that, on one of these walks,
a citizen saw the king coming and
INTRODUCTION tried to escape from the monarch
through a gate.
One day I was watching the mother -“You!” yelled the king. “Where do
of one of my grandchildren inter- you think you’re going?”
act with her son, and as she hugged -“To my house, Your Majesty,” an-
and kissed my grandson, the little swered the man nervously.
boy hugged and kissed his mother -“Is that your house?” King Freder-

11
ick asked. man with God and with his neigh-
-“No, Your Majesty,” the man an- bor. And by understanding this
swered. principle in a deeper way every day
-“So why are you trying to enter that through a relationship with the Au-
property then” the King replied. thor of love, man will become a per-
-“Well, your Majesty,” admitted son with moral values based on the
the man, worried that he would be principle of love.
called a thief, “It is because I did not Yes, my friend and brother. We are
want to meet you.” born with the need to be loved. We
-“Why?” the king asked. love to be protected and recognized.
-“Because I’m afraid of you, Your We love because loving brings joy.
Majesty.” Love will always be something we
King Frederick then raised the seek, although sometimes we may
cane he used as a walking stick and feel that it’s difficult to find, as if we
pointing at the man, said: were in a maze.
-“You’re not supposed to be afraid Why is it so hard to find love? Be-
of me, you disgraceful man. You’re cause love is only sought out of a
supposed to love me.” personal need. Love is often sought
-“You can’t force anyone to love. for a good feeling instead of seek-
Love is earned and not imposed,” ing to make the person we love feel
the man said. good. Love is often sought out of a
The truth is that people rarely try to social duty but not as an act of sur-
spend time with people they don’t render. Love is often sought as a
get along with. way out of an emotional crisis, but
not to serve and protect the ones
CONCEPTS OF LOVE you love.

Love is power. There is an inspired LOVE IS NOT IMPOSED

statement on love that says, “Intel-
lectual and moral strength are in- We all want to love, but there are
volved in this principle….The excel- very few who know how to love.
lence and value of pure love consist Love is the most sublime and sa-
in its efficiency to do good, and to cred principle that the human be-
do nothing else than good. What- ing must experience. But when we
soever is done out of pure love, be feel that we are not loved, humans
it ever so little or contemptible in often look for methods of manip-
the sight of men, is wholly fruit- ulation, threats, and other meth-
ful.”—1MCP 206.3 ods to force someone to love us.
With this insight, we understand There are many forms of threats
that the concept of love is a princi- that are heard in family conflicts.
ple that contains an intellectual and “If you break up with me, I will
moral force. And as it is a principle, take my life. If you don’t love me, I
it is also the basis of what unites will not let you love someone else.

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If you abandon me, I will leave you stubborn desires and buying them
for another person. If you don’t things in order to impose the idea
love me, I will abandon my faith that by these actions they would be
and seek things of the world. If forced to love him. But over time,
you don’t love me, I will die.” These he has been disappointed as he did
words and many more are expres- not receive anything positive in re-
sions that are heard daily in many turn, instead being faced with chil-
family conflicts, because we feel dren who have become rebellious
that love is a payment to the ego to both parents. Parents- the love
and pride that predominates our of your children is not earned with
carnal nature. We feel that we money or by force. If you want to
must be loved because, “I am the achieve through such methods, you
authority of the house, because are trying the impossible.
of my material goods, because of I’ve also met a husband who want-
my beauty, or perhaps because I ed to earn his wife’s love through
feel good enough to deserve to be force. He would sacrifice himself
loved.” because apparently she had more

“Wherever the power of in- than enough and no needs.

tellect, of authority, or of force is But one day, as I spoke with her,
employed, and love is not manifest- she told me that she was very wor-
ly present, the affections and will ried. Not because she lacked things,
of those whom we seek to reach but because she lacked the love of
assume a defensive, repelling po- her husband. Husbands be careful
sition, and their strength of resis- because you may be about to lose
tance is increased. Jesus was the your family. This is what the Apos-
Prince of Peace. He came into the tle Paul advises. In Colossians 3:19
world to bring resistance and au- “Husbands, love your wives, and do
thority into subjection to Himself. not be harsh with them.”
Wisdom and strength He could There are many concepts that in-
command, but the means He em- adequately interfere when it comes
ployed with which to overcome evil to love. Using force, manipulation,
were the wisdom and strength of threats, blackmail and abuse in or-
love.” – 1TT 210.1 der to be loved are serious sins in
the eyes of God. It is a terrible evil
I have a close friendship with a fa- that we carry when our children see
ther, who has wanted to win the love that we seek love through blows,
of his children by satisfying their shouts, and imposition. This is the

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way that Satan wants us to love of God. When we love but make
each other. Men and women are someone suffer at the same times,
wounded from the past because of this is a false love. When we love but
humiliation and beatings they have do not use mercy and kindness, it is
received from their parents and a power foreign to that of the God
they themselves have often con- who created you.
tinued with this family pattern to Love is not forced or imposed. On
the point of bringing harm to their the contrary, love is free, and that is
spouse and children and repeating precisely where the foundation of
this cycle from one generation to this gift lies.
the next. Compulsive qualities stop a person
God sees love differently. The divine from loving. Unfortunately there
inspiration expresses: are perplexing situations where
“God could have destroyed Satan one does not know how to act or re-
and his sympathizers as easily as spond to an imposition. Men must
one can cast a pebble to the earth; bear in mind that the female gen-
but He did not do this. Rebellion der is hurt very quickly and when
was not to be overcome by force. this happens true love can be deep-
Compelling power is found only un- ly distanced. What is worse is when
der Satan’s government. The Lord’s someone hurts another and is not
principles are not of this order. His able to say “Sorry”. Then the person
authority rests upon goodness, prefers suffering and crying, thus
mercy, and love; and the presenta- aggravating a relationship until it
tion of these principles is the means becomes irreparable.
to be used. God’s government is Friend, love is not demanded; it is
moral, and truth and love are to be not commanded; it is not imposed.
the prevailing power.”— (Desire of When love is understood in its real
Ages page 759.1). dimension, it is a decision. It is
transcendent and not an “I will love
How do you lead your family? What him with time.” Does God love us
is the source of love in the home? Is with the passing of time?
the source the force of the tongue, When love becomes a demand, it
or physical force? As a shepherd of is not genuine. It turns out to be
the sheep, I have seen homes ruled uncomfortable and unfair for both
by satanic force and they appear as it is being built as if on a shad-
before the church, as meek and ow, a lie, which sooner or later will
kind sheep. Love has been clothed become demolished, because its
in hypocrisy and lies. When we use foundation is sand. The foundation
the tools of the enemy to seek love, of love is “seeking the good for the
we are rejected by heaven, because other” and not “seeking benefit for
this is not the path to love. When oneself.” It is a happy, selfless com-
we love but harm the mind of our mitment and not a painful sacrifice
family, it is a power foreign to that that “must be done to please”.

14
My dear brother or dear sister, be heart, fervently. Christ is our exam-
careful with pretending to love in ple. He went about doing good. He
order to force love. No one can re- lived to bless others. Love beauti-
quire us to love a man or a woman, fied and ennobled all His actions.”—
nor do we have the right to make 1MCP 207.3
that man or woman love us. “Love imparts to its possessor grace,
Friend, love is not a “yes today, but a propriety, and comeliness of de-
no tomorrow”. It’s loving each other portment. It illuminates the coun-
day by day; it’s being happy because tenance and subdues the voice; it
our significant other is happy. Love refines and elevates the entire be-
is renunciation, abandonment, and ing.”—1MCP 208.4
surrender. It is, first of all, a com-
mitment to one’s own dignity while When love is present, life is full of
learning from the love of Christ. grace, and this will be seen in ac-
Think about what I am going to tions. The spouses will have a face
tell you. As much as we try to love illuminated with joy, speaking soft
someone, the heart cannot be de- words of affection and apprecia-
ceived. tion. The husband will constant-
ly tell his wife: “I love you. I always
LOVE IS WON want to be by your side.” Wherever
she is, she will call him to tell him,
Let us listen to the advice of a family “I only love one. I love you and I will
counselor, the Apostle Peter. 1 Peter be with you.” When they feel alone,
3:7. “Likewise, ye husbands, dwell remember to tell them, “I am your
with them according to knowledge, wife, or husband. I am here to help
giving honour unto the wife, as unto you carry our sorrows and sadness
the weaker vessel, and as being together” or there is a moment of
heirs together of the grace of life; joy, remember to share this joy and
that your prayers be not hindered.” rejoice together.
Here, the Apostle refers to the fact
that husbands must be wise to live Always surprise your wife. Bring
with their wives. Jesus, the excellent her a nice bouquet of flowers. She
teacher for all humanity, gives us will feel very happy when she sees
these instructions: “ gestures of love. Go out together
“Whatsoever ye would that men to contemplate nature or just walk
should do to you, do ye even so to hand in hand. The Apostle Peter
them” (Matthew 7:12). Blessed re- tells us to be wise, you should al-
sults would appear as the fruit of ways be aware when she is stressed
such a course. “With what measure to be able to lend a helping hand,
ye mete, it shall be measured to you and help her lighten the load at
again” (Luke 6:38). Here are strong home, maybe by picking up the
motives which should constrain broom to sweep or help her cook, or
us to love one another with a pure simply by spending some time to be

15
with her. of manifested love into action; into
I remember a time when my wife actions of love and affection.
and I decided to walk to church Jesus was invited to the wedding
hand in hand one day. As we walked at Cana in Galilee and as they were
along the sidewalk, a lady whose there, the wine ran out. On Mary’s
store lined the street was at the recommendation, wine was need-
door and staring at us. When we ed and Jesus ordered that the pitch-
approached her door, she said: “You ers be filled with water. Immediate-
two are a scene to admire; to realize ly the water was part of a miracle
that it is possible. When we stopped as it was turned into a better wine
and spoke with her, she mentioned and the feast continued with joy.
that she had problems in her home, Perhaps the joy and happiness of
but simply seeing us take a walk your home is also ending and you
hand in hand, we gave her hope for think that there is no solution to
her home. There are many families your problems. If this is happening
and homes that by seeing can be- to you, invite Jesus into your home,
lieve. tell Him what is happening to you,
and He will simply tell you to pour
Parents, if you have your children water. What is this you may ask? He
by your side, tell them that you love just wants you to take action. The
them. And if they are far away, call miracle will follow right away. But if
them every day. They will always there is no action, there are no mir-
want to hear your voice. And never acles. Jesus loves your home and is
stop saying the magic words, “my willing to do the greatest miracles
child or my son or daughter.” It is so that you may have a happy mar-
rare for me not to call my five chil- riage.
dren. I always want to listen to them
and I’m sure they enjoy listening to My wife has a home help page. One
me too. day, a sister from Ecuador called
“This love cherished in the soul her and told her that their home
sweetens the entire life and sheds was hopelessly broken. When we
a refining influence on all around. listened and were able to talk to
Possessing it, we cannot but be her husband, they were advised to
happy, let fortune smile or frown.”— surprise each other with a gift and
MCP 209.3 to take some time to walk togeth-
er. Perhaps the solution was too
If perhaps you think that love has simple, but the joy was great on
vanished or has already been lost, it their happy faces and oh how they
is simply time for you to take action. wanted to live happily! For us, the
If you think that you don’t have love solution they were given seemed
to give, ask the Author of love, God, so easy, but it had an extraordinary
for it and He will give you the nec- result. Yes, my dear brethren, love is
essary wisdom to put the practice won and not imposed.

16
“Love Lives on Action—Love can- you. If we do not know how to love,
not live without action, and every as a man or as a woman, we have
act increases, strengthens, and ex- not known the pure gospel of Jesus
tends it. Love will gain the victory Christ, because God is love, and ev-
when argument and authority are erything that is done without love
powerless. Love works not for prof- has no meaning. Trying to love by
it nor reward; yet God has ordained using the imposing power of phys-
that great gain shall be the certain ical or even religious force, is a psy-
result of every labor of love. It is dif- chological and physical abuse that
fusive in its nature and quiet in its if taken as a case to the courts of the
operation, yet strong and mighty in earth, we would be harshly judged.
its purpose to overcome great evils. “The testimonies must never be
It is melting and transforming in its used as a club to bring some broth-
influence and will take hold of the er or sister to see things just as we
lives of the sinful and affect their see them.”—CCh 31.5
hearts when every other means has
proved unsuccessful.”—MCP 210.1 There are many husbands and
children who will be in for a big
CONCLUSION surprise on the day of the final
judgment. Children will be judged
“Love is a plant of heavenly growth, to condemnation for having used
and it must be fostered and nour- force, rebellion, and threats to call
ished. Affectionate hearts, truth- attention for their selfish hearts, as
ful, loving words, will make happy God will show them that they never
families and exert an elevating in- loved their parents and it was only
fluence upon all who come within material interest that brought them
the sphere of their influence.”—LYL close to their parents. There will be
30.4 many spouses who used to show
the church that they loved each
Loving, my dear brothers and sis- other and when the Lord will open
ters, is an apprenticeship in the His books, He will reveal that every-
cross of Christ. Love is the essence thing was a facade that they hid un-
of Christianity. You can know many der the mantle of their religiosity. It
prophecies, be an excellent expos- will be evident that many spouses
itor, you can have a very good rep- used force to demand loved. There
utation in the church, but if you do will be those who beat their spous-
not know how to love, your faith is es to show their authority. The use
in vain; your works are in vain in of humiliating words that destroyed
your Christian community. If you the dignity of a spouse will become
do not know how to love, you are apparent. What a sad condition, this
empty, hurt, resentful, and bitter. If panorama, as we will testify before
you don’t know how to love, you will the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
always be hurting those who love My dear brothers and sisters, I

17
speak to you with all my heart when have caused my family to fear me;
I tell you that there are many who because my actions may have been
seek to learn to love by reading ro- threatening. Lord, teach me to love,
mantic books, full of steps and rules as you love me. Amen!
to find love, but nothing and no
one will teach us the true meaning CALLED
of love like Jesus. The person who
does not truly know Jesus will nev- Because you have been called, to-
er, never, learn to truly love. The day I invite the representatives of
person who does not love to be giv- each marriage, to renew their mar-
en in sacrifice, did not learn to love. riage vows at this time. You and
The person who loves and does not your spouse. Together we will say to
serve the other, did not know love. God: “Lord, thank you for your plan
The person who loves and does not for our life and our family.” I know
forgive 70 times 7 did not learn to that someone is thinking: “Maybe
love. Whoever loves without kind- it is a very beautiful thing in theo-
ness and mercy did not know love. ry, but it does not work in our mar-
Whoever does not know love has riage. Our love has already come
not known God, and whoever does to an end! You may think that your
not know God will not know eter- relationship is totally broken; that
nity. Being religious does not mean love is over. But I want to tell you
that you are a good Christian. The that God is an expert in miracles.
trait of compulsive force may iden- God is an expert in repairing and
tify whose child you are. making everything new in your life.
Today I invite you to fall on our God wants to give you love with-
knees, to humble yourselves before out force. God invites all those who
God and tell him: “Lord forgive me want to have that love that only God
because I have loved according to gives and in this moment God will
my carnal heart where I only de- pour out His blessings in your mar-
manded attention, sometimes by riage. God bless you!
force. Forgive me Lord, because I Amen.

18
 reading

-3-

LOVE WITHOUT LIES

Pastor Juan Quezada / Chile

MAY 13

“ Truthful lips endure forever, but a and honesty bring a pleasant and
lying tongue lasts only a moment.” satisfying atmosphere among your
Proverbs 12:19. friends and co-workers, how much
more could these virtues guarantee
“Please don’t lie to me!” This is more happiness, peace, and harmony in
than a request! This is a plea that your marriage and in your home?
arises from the heart of a person
who does not wish to be hurt. Lies Lack of credibility
hurt, offend, break trust, and de-
stroy peace and harmony. Lies have Solomon warns us, telling us that a
harmful effects on business rela- truthful person retains their repu-
tionships, friendships, but in a very tation as trustworthy forever, while
special and destructive way, on dat- the liar only maintains this for a
ing and marriage relationships. brief moment.
How pleasant it is to look people in To sustain a lie, you must resort to
the eye, without the discomfort of more lies, which will make you a
having lied to them. If truthfulness person that lacks credibility and

19
even when you do speak the truth, possibility, because no one wants
there will be those who will not to live such an experience. Then it
trust you. In that case, do not be- is time to practice empathy, which
come bothered with those who do is none other than the ability to un-
not believe you. Instead, be sad- derstand and share the feelings and
dened as you understand that you experiences of others.
have become someone who cannot How many people would turn away
be believed and with sincere prayer from lying or cheating, if only they
ask God to help you become a reli- would perform this exercise of put-
able person once again. ting themselves in the place of the
person that they are going to betray
I don’t believe him/her or deceive.
anymore Our Lord Jesus Christ, who demon-
strated His great love for all man-
There are many reasons why one kind by giving His life to save man-
can destroy a relationship or mar- kind, taught us the golden rule in
riage, but many times it all originat- the Sermon on the mount; a rule
ed in a lie. At first, the lie may have that we should never forget. “So in
been seemingly insignificant or everything, do to others what you
small, but it undermined trust. Re- would have them do to you...” Mat-
member dear friend, that the most thew 7:12
bitter of truths will always be bet- How different everything would be,
ter than the sweetest of lies. God’s if only this simple but valuable piece
counsel is, “Have nothing to do with of advice were put into practice, as it
a false charge...” Exodus 23:7 contains wisdom, respect, and em-
pathy. How many wounds, divorc-
es, and how much pain would be
Empathy and the avoided; how much peace and hap-
Golden Rule piness would multiply; how many
children would grow up in happy
Dear friend, if you have made “ly- homes, under the healthy and sta-
ing” and “deception” a common ble guidance of their parents. Oh, if
practice or you are feeling tempted only this golden rule were heeded;
to practice it, with Christian affec- how different our world would be.
tion I invite you to perform an exer-
cise that will help you understand The origin of lies
that it is not a good habit.
You should ask yourself, what if I Lying did not originate in the hu-
were the one who suffers from this man heart, although humanity of-
lie or deception. How would I feel? ten practices it. The Lord Jesus un-
What would my reaction be? How masked Satan as the father of lies,
great would my pain and disap- “You belong to your father, the dev-
pointment be? It’s likely that you il, and you want to carry out your
don’t even want to think about that
20
father’s desires. He was a murder- are not measured, but no matter how
er from the beginning, not holding small it may be, its results will always
to the truth, for there is no truth in be regrettable. How many marriages
him. When he lies, he speaks his that could have been happy, ended in
native language, for he is a liar and divorces because of a lie or deception.
the father of lies.” John 8:44. How many people have ended their
From this statement, we can argue lives, because they couldn’t or did not
that when lying is practiced, who- know how to cope with the pain of a
ever does so becomes a son and fol- betrayal or lie? How many children
lower of Satan, whom Jesus labels have had to regret the misery and
as the father and originator of lies. pain of not being able to grow up and
live together with both parents be-
Lies and their consequences cause of a lie? How many people have
lived through years of grief and pain,
The Gleiwitz Incident. On the night plunged into depression because of a
of August 31st, 1939, Nazi leaders lie? But the sad and destructive effect
carried out what is known as a mon- of lying is not always suffered by only
tage, “The False Flag”, as they simu- those who were victims of it. How
lated a Polish attack on the German many people today live under the
radio station Gleiwitz. This was overwhelming weight of a guilty con-
done through the use of prisoners science because of a lie they have not
and innocent people who they had been able or willing to confess? Many
posing as olish soldiers attacking of these people reach the grave, hav-
the German radio station; people ing lived a sad and gloomy life. “No
later murdered. The next day the one who practices deceit will dwell in
bloody Second World War broke out my house; no one who speaks false-
at a cost of more than seventy mil- ly will stand in my presence.” Psalm
lion human lives. The attack on the 101:7
radio station in Gleiwitz had been a
lie at a very high cost. * God’s recommendation
Generally, the consequences of a lie
“Finally, brothers and sisters, what-
ever is true, whatever is noble,

21
whatever is right, whatever is pure, experience the joy of seeing their
whatever is lovely, whatever is ad- parents together again in harmony,
mirable—if anything is excellent if we heeded this counsel given by
or praiseworthy—think about such the One who is love and kindness.
things.” Philippians 4:8. God advis- First, Jesus teaches us that we must
es us to be truthful and trustworthy acknowledge our faults and sins
people. This will avoid pain and an- when He spoke “forgive us our
guish for others, which will result in debts.” Of course, this may not be
peace for our hearts. simple, but it is necessary. The abil-
ity to ask for forgiveness and have a
When the lie has affected us humble attitude is not natural to the
human heart, but God can and does
I’m certain that at some point in grant it to you, if you ask Him to do
your life, you have been affected so. But it is not enough to merely
by a lie or deception in one of its have the ability to ask for forgive-
forms. It was likely not a pleasant ness when we have lied or betrayed
experience and you have probably someone. Jesus also teaches us that
had to struggle with pain and grief we must be willing to forgive those
because of it. Or perhaps you were who offend us or have caused us
tempted to practice lying and de- pain and sorrow due to a lie or a be-
ceit and today you suffer the con- trayal. The ability to forgive is not fa-
sequences. Do not despair; in God miliar to the human heart. Instead,
there is a solution. we tend to harbor resentment, an-
The Lord Jesus, teaching us through ger, and revenge, which causes us
the Lord’s Prayer, shows us how to more harm. Instead of solving the
overcome the pain and sorrow that problems, we plunge into greater
a lie or deception may have caused anguish and suffering that can eas-
and how to amend and regain the ily trigger physical and psycholog-
peace lost by the mistakes and lies ical illnesses. “ A cheerful heart is
we may have practiced. With all ea- good medicine, but a crushed spirit
gerness, we should seek reconcilia- dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22
tion with our fellowmen, especially We must ask God to grant us the
with our spouse and with God. ability to forgive, just as He forgives
Jesus recommends that we include us. We must also ask for forgiveness
the following phrase that includes when we have caused pain and suf-
peace and reconciliation in our fering to our neighbor, especially to
prayers and practice, “And forgive those we love and with whom we
us our debts, as we also have for- have decided to unite our lives. This
given our debtors.” Matthew 6:12. will lead to the beginning of a life of
What great peace can be reached, peace and harmony and the effects
how many reconciliations could be of this choice will bring wonderful
achieved, how many homes could results to your life and your home.
be rebuilt, how many children could It is my desire and prayer that God

22
may bless your life, that He may *Dennis Whitehead “The Gleiwitz
help you to be a truthful person, Incident” After the Battle, Magazine
and that you may live in peace with #142 (March 2009).
God and with your fellow men, es- Amen.
pecially in your home.

23
 reading

-4-

FACE TO FACE

Pastor Pablo Hunger / USA

MAY 14

“ The Lord talked with you face to for a piece of land. It doesn’t mat-
face in the mount out of the midst of ter if it’s smaller. We will fill it with
the fire” Deuteronomy 5:4. flowers and continue to enjoy the
beauty of God’s creation!” The little
I recall a story about a little girl who girl was thrilled, and together they
loved to observe a meadow full of began to look for an appropriate
flowers, with its abundant and rich lot. As soon as they received per-
perfumes, and its stunning panora- mission to plant, they went straight
ma of nature. One day, this little girl to work, and soon everything was
received the news that this land had ready; the grass had been planted,
been sold and that an urban setting and the flowers began to bloom
would be built on it. Very soon, the beautifully. It was then that they
trucks and the bulldozers arrived, decided to host a “Garden Opening”
and all the beautiful joys of nature party and invited the neighbors
disappeared. When the father saw to this special event that would
the disappointment in his daugh- be held in the flower garden. But
ter’s eyes, he proposed an idea. “I something unexpected happened.
have an idea. Why don’t we look It began to rain for several days and
24
the rain flooded and damaged the The flowers of the home
garden. When they saw the disas-
trous result, the worried little girl What are the flowers or decorative
asked her father: “What are we go- finishing touches that the members
ing to do with the “Garden Opening” of your household enjoy the most?
party?” The father replied: “Don’t Aren’t these beauties the words of
worry. We’ll find a solution. We kindness, acts of affection, and the
will repair the damage, and then perfume of Christ’s love when He
we will host the “Opening of the reigns in the home? When was the
Garden” party as we had planned.” last time that, instead of choosing
And so it happened. Together, they words of criticism and scolding, you
went back to work, replacing the shared a warm smile and a word
damaged plants, and even adding of affection or dedicated some
details that were not there previ- one-on-one time to your child or
ously. When they had finished, the spouse? Let us be more aware of the
garden now had a water fountain needs and desires of our children or
and was even more beautiful than spouses. When they express a need
before the flooding had come. Ev- or a desire, it likely means that they
eryone who came to the “Garden- have thought about it and evaluated
ing Opening” party marveled at the it in their heart for quite some time.
natural beauty they saw and the When they express these things, we
scenes brought them all joy. must take it seriously and not ig-
Our homes and our marriages are nore it. Of course, we cannot please
like this story. We have beautiful every desire or request, but let us
days, beautiful months, and beau- do our best to share love through
tiful years. But challenges will also our expressions, words, and actions
come, and unexpected problems with the members of our family. Let
that will try to affect our happiness us consider how we may contribute
will arise. The father in this story to their happiness and their spiritu-
confronted the situation with a very al, emotional, mental, and physical
positive mindset and with great growth.
faith. He always gave his daughter
hope. He was focused on finding a Competent in Christ
solution, and by taking a step out-
side of his comfort zone, he con- The apostle Paul tells us in 2.Cor-
sistently made efforts to reach the inthians 3:2 that we are an open
lofty goal that would contribute to letter. This letter is open so that
his daughter’s happiness. Although others may find hope, and read
other difficulties seemed to prevail, about Christ and the message of
he did not allow himself to give up, the good news of the Gospel in us,
and the garden became even more “written not with ink, but with the
beautiful than it had once been. Spirit of the living God; not in tables
of stone, but in fleshy tables of the

25
heart”(v.3).» Who also hath made best efforts and the best perfume to
us able ministers of the new tes- bring happiness to our home.
tament; not of the letter, but of the Challenges, problems, irritations,
spirit: for the letter killeth, but the whether big or small, insignificant
spirit giveth life (v.6).” or enormous, will always arise, but
God is the only one who can make we must face them face to face and
us competent fathers and mothers head on. The challenge is to seek a
and help us to live out the gospel in solution by maintaining a high goal
our homes! We need the help of the that glorifies God, rather than al-
living God! We are not to be subject lowing ourselves to be carried away
to Satan’s plans. Nor are we to be by discouragement or giving in to
subject to our own inclinations and sin. If the thief is circling around
sins. Jesus has the power to help us your house, what should the head
maintain an attitude that beautifies of the household do? Should he
our lives, our homes, and glorifies hide or confront him face to face?
God. We must also face challenges face
“Now thanks be unto God, which to face with all wisdom and pru-
always causeth us to triumph in dence. Christ is on your side, so
Christ,... For we are unto God a confront the home burglars face to
sweet savour of Christ, in them that face and don’t let them in.
are saved… the savour of life unto “Let those composing the family
life.” 2 Corinthians 2:14-16. circle pray that God will sanctify
their tongues, their ears, their eyes,
Don’t faint! and every member of their body.
When brought into contact with
Sometimes the sacrifice that is re- evil, it is not necessary to be over-
quired to establish the well-being come of evil. Christ has made it pos-
of the home looks too difficult, and sible for the character to be fragrant
we feel like we are going to faint with good....
when we see the long list of things How many dishonor Christ and
required to maintain harmony in misrepresent His character in the
the home. But God tells us “faint home circle! How many do not
not”! manifest patience, forbearance,
“Therefore seeing we have this forgiveness, and true love! Many
ministry, as we have received mer- have their likes and dislikes and
cy, we faint not.” 2.Corinthians 4:1. feel at liberty to manifest their own
The covenant you made with God in perverse disposition rather than to
marriage and the children that God reveal the will, the works, the char-
has given you, who you brought acter of Christ. The life of Jesus is
into the world, are a work of per- full of kindness and love. Are we
severance and a responsibility that growing into His divine nature? Let
we must carry forward. We must fathers and mothers make a sol-
not grow weary in providing our emn promise to God, whom they

26
profess to love and obey, that by face the situation at some point.
His grace they will not disagree be- “Then Nathan said to David, Thou
tween themselves, but will in their art the man. Thus saith the Lord God
own life and temper manifest the of Israel,... For thou didst it secretly:
spirit that they wish their children but I will do this thing before all Is-
to cherish.”– (AH 177-78.2) rael, and before the sun.” 2 Samuel
12:7, 12. God knew David’s mistakes
Our tongues, ears, and eyes very well and David would
can be of great blessing have to face his sin face
to our partner and to to face.
our children! But A woman shared
they are also of- profound words
ten the cause of after going
our deceit, and through a disap-
can harm others, pointment with
leading to sin her husband:
when we allow “Lies can break
the devil an en- friendships,
tering wedge into marriages and
our mind. families. He said he
lied because he was
Face to face with sin afraid of losing me, but it
was because he lied to me that
The Word of God recommends,“ he lost me. It seems easier to sweep
Therefore seeing we have this min- things under the rug, to hide our
istry, as we have received mercy, we true selves so we don’t have to ac-
faint not; But have renounced the cept, confront, or face hard truths.
hidden things of dishonesty, not I once heard that it’s easier to be
walking in craftiness, nor handling honest 100% of the time than to
the word of God deceitfully; but by keep them 98% of the time, and
manifestation of the truth com- that rings true to me, but I know
mending ourselves to every man’s true honesty isn’t always easy. It
conscience in the sight of God.” 2 takes a lot of courage to be vulner-
Corinthians 4:1-2. able, transparent, authentic, and to
King David was carried away by his discover your true self.
impulses and committed a series of The truth was devastating, I felt
serious mistakes when he looked at disrespected, I felt loveless, unsup-
a woman from his window. Finally, ported and without care; I felt like
he had to face the situation face to a fool; but the truth brought clarity
face. He waited until he was discov- to the chaos and confusion it had
ered, but in any case, the prison of been causing me for so long. It was
his thoughts would have already a relief.
warned him that he would have to I felt compassion for him and that

27
was terrifying. I didn’t want to trust parents. “Confess your faults one to
him because that would be too another, and pray one for another,
risky. Even though I had trusted my that ye may be healed. The effectual
intuition, his lies had robbed me of fervent prayer of a righteous man
the freedom to make well-informed availeth much.” James 5:16.
decisions and there was a sense of This world has been transformed
indignation that wouldn’t leave me into a hospital for the sick, not due
alone because it seemed like I had to Covid-19, but because it is filled
a false concept of who I was. I val- with people who don’t truly know
ue truth, even when, and especially, God and His truths. The only way
when it is painful.” we will achieve true freedom is by
The Bible tells us to “renounce the uplifting the truth. Homes are de-
hidden and shameful.” If we do not stroyed. The minds of young people
learn to renounce the hidden and are destroyed by sin through the
shameful because we are caress- things they observe on TV or social
ing it, God will have to reveal it in media in their tender age. Many
front of everyone and in broad sun- are seeking a remedy from various
light. There are sins in homes that sources, but only Christ can give the
have been hidden, and there are remedy the sinner needs and grant
shameful matters that should not him reconciliation. It does not mat-
exist in homes. God calls on all fam- ter how small or big your sin is, or
ilies, couples, and young people. We how much your home has already
know how deeply David suffered been affected by it. Today is the day
because of his sin, and how the that God tells you, “Come unto me,
people of Israel as a whole suffered all ye that labour and are heavy lad-
because of David’s mistake. Sin will en, and I will give you rest” Matthew
always catch up to us. That is why 11:28.
it is so important to renounce all
hidden and shameful things today, Face to face with happiness
facing the enemy face to face, and
renouncing the alliance we have of- How sweet pictures of newlyweds
fered him! How many miseries have looking at each other face to face
arisen from hidden sins, whether are. They express attraction and
from vices, immorality, lies, or ver- deep love. There is nothing be-
bal abuse that was cherished and tween them that separates them.
is now hard to let go of! God is by These pictures express friendship.
your side, friend, and invites you to When you can look into your part-
make the decision to give up what ner’s eyes, you strengthen trust and
destroys your home, your relation- show crystal clear transparency in
ship, and your family. This requires your life. By making intentional ef-
a dialogue with God, but, perhaps, fort to share what’s on your heart
also a dialogue between spouses, through conversations, the stones
and between children and their of obstacles dissolve. The more we

28
cultivate face-to-face communica- someone: a card, an email, or even a
tion, the more the misunderstand- sticky note on someone’s desk. But
ings will fade, and the more we will it’s even better to say it in person.”
feel free to serve one another. Both “When emotions are intense,
will look for new ideas of how to speaking personally is import-
make the path of married life more ant to show compassion and avoid
enjoyable. If we constantly contem- misunderstandings. Tone, body
plate God face to face, we will one language, and words can be misin-
day also rejoice as we receive His terpreted when not seen in person.
blessing instead of hearing words One of the signs of an effective and
of condemnation. Let us seek to empathetic leader is having the
grow under God’s blessing with our courage to be visible when sharing
spouse and in harmony with God. difficult news.”
Looking at someone face to face The world of technology and busi-
expresses honesty, sincerity, and ness learned what God had prac-
a pure conscience. If it is not com- ticed from the beginning with
municated honestly, we give rise His children and His people. “And
to temptation, as other sources of the Lord spake unto Moses face to
communication are often sought, face, as a man speaketh unto his
sources that the devil disguises friend.” Exodus 33:11.
with a different face. “And there arose not a proph-
In an article on “the power of face- et since in Israel like unto Moses,
to-face communication in the whom the Lord knew face to face,”
workplace” the following was writ- Deuteronomy 34:10.
ten: “The Lord talked with you face to
“With the proliferation of digital face in the mount out of the midst
channels and the rise of remote of the fire” Deuteronomy 5:4.
work, face-to-face communica- To achieve success and harmony in
tion has become more important friendship we must maintain hon-
than ever. Companies increasingly est, transparency, and face-to-face
recognize this and companies like communication.
Google, Apple, and IBM have begun Adam and Eve practiced face-to-
to bring workers back to the office. face communication with God.
Countless research studies have Learn from God, who desires to
demonstrated the value of face-to- be your friend and who desires to
face communication. They build communicate with you! Accept
relationships, inspire emotions God’s advice and learn from His
and build trust. Psychologist Susan example by communicating in this
Pinker, author of ‘The Village Effect’, way with your spouse, with your
even argues that face-to-face con- children, and with your parents; to
tact makes us healthier, happier communicate personally, with love,
and smarter.” with patience, with hope, and with
“There are many ways to thank joy.

29
Let us remember to share smiles you,” and “I love you” can change a
and actions of love with our family heart more than any other correc-
members. Let us not stop doing this tion.
because of pride or some other sin. May God allow us to have the priv-
Let us not stop expressing affection, ilege of seeing our Savior face to
support, and persevering in the face very soon!
Lord’s ways. The words “I appreciate Amen.

30
 reading

-5-

Respect:
IT IS NOT REQUIRED,
IT IS GIVEN

Pastor Joseph Suganob / Philippines

MAY 15

I
grew up as a farmer in the to the river to drink water and to
Philippines and as child we have a bath. As this became a daily
raised different kinds of ani- routine, I got close to the carabao,
mals such as chickens, goats, especially Octopus, who became
dogs, horses and carabaos a friend I visited daily. I enjoyed
[water buffalo]. Raising these an- feeding him, playing with him and
imals taught me a lot of lessons scolding him every time he would
about respect. When our female “bad”; I didn’t want him to grow
carabao got pregnant, my father into being a savage animal. When
named the baby calf “Octopus”. Of Octopus was big enough to carry
all my siblings, I was the one who me, I would frequently ride on his
most cared for Octopus as he grew back and as he was grazing in the
up. pastures, often times I took a nap
Every morning and afternoon I laying on his back. I would go to
would take Octopus and his moth- the pastures every day and call his
er to the pastures where they would name; he would always run towards
graze, and on days when the sun me, put his neck on my shoulders
was hot, I would take them both and would shout “maaaaaa”, as if
31
greeting me every time. and myself.
Like any living creature, Octopus When my father asked how I man-
grew and my father eventually saw aged to train Octopus and get him
him at a suited age to be trained in to follow my every command obe-
plowing our cornfield. However, my diently I answered my father, “We
father found it difficult to train him became friends, I visited him and
because Octopus would not submit played with him every day. When he
to his commands. Because of the would act up, I didn’t spank him, I
difficulty in training, one day after spoke to him in a strong voice to let
school, my father gave me the bad him know that how he was acting is
news that he wanted to sell Octo- wrong. This is why he respected me,
pus and purchase another carabao because I showed him that I love
who would be easily trained to plow. him and respect him.” My father
I was shocked at this plan and was embraced me with a hug because of
very hurt beyond measure; I was the joy he felt for me in taking good
heartbroken. Octopus was very care of Octopus.
dear to me and I couldn’t imagine As time rapidly passed by, I joined
letting him go. in canvassing work after I finished
I spoke with my father and asked high school for which I was as-
him to give me a chance to train Oc- signed to travel far and at times
topus in plowing and assured him would only be able to go home once
that he would eventually be great a year. But every time that I visited
at plowing our field. I was happy to home, I would go see Octopus, call
hear that my father agreed to my his name, and with the same love
request and next I skipped school and respect he had for me before,
just so that I can have a full day he would still come to me and put
training my dearest friend, Octo- his neck on my shoulder and say
pus, in plowing the field. “maaaaaa” to greet me. I would still
The day I was training Octopus, my play with him, lie on his back, and I
father was there observing to see could see how happy he was when I
how he would react in the corn- was there with him.
field. To our surprise, Octopus was When I married and had kids, we
following and obeying all the com- lived very far from my father’s
mands I would give him. Further- house and I would rarely see Octo-
more, when I put the plow on him, pus. At one point, it had been five
he did not react the way he react- years that passed before we could
ed to my father; Octopus listened see each other and I thought he
to my every command and on that had forgotten me already because
very same day, he learned how to of the lapse in several years that
plow the field and obeyed me with- passed. However, one day I went
out any resistance. And of course, home to visit my father, and on
my father decided not to sell him that particular visit my father was
and was very loved by my family plowing the field with Octopus

32
when we arrived. When Octopus RESPECT IN THE
heard my voice, he still recognized COMMUNITY
me and said, “maaaa” to greet me
and my family. I came closer to The current situation of our society
him, hugged him, and started to gives us a clear picture of the sure
handle him in plowing the field result when respect is lost. Politi-
for my father. To my father and cians use force, and influence to
brother’s surprise, I was able to instill peace and order in different
manage Octopus in plowing those communities, but still come short
portions of my father’s farm that of attaining it. We see wars, mur-
are very difficult to plow due to der, violence against women and
the terrain of the land. My father children, insurgencies, and several
then told me, “ If it is not you, Oc- different forms of crime commit-
topus will not go there and will not ted daily despite police and mili-
obey our command to plow that tary forces present in different so-
difficult part of the farm.” I was cieties. We may ask, why do these
very happy to see that Octopus’ unfortunate events occur when
love and respect for me remained most people in different countries
unchanged, though time passed believe that peace can be attained
by. On the day he died, we all shed by leaders of different countries
many tears because of the memo- who have a political stronghold?
ries he left in our lives. My father And with support of military and
and brothers buried him in a deep police, there can be success in the
pit after his death but his memory area of implementations. The an-
remained in my heart even until swer lies in the lack of respect from
now. people towards the different lead-
This lesson of love and respect ers of communities or a country.
Octopus taught me, made think of Politicians, military, and police of-
how wonderful our world could be ficials use their influence to force
if there is much love and respect the conscience of people and their
existing between people, families, subordinates, that they may follow
and friends in society. I came to their command out of fear of pun-
the conclusion that such an at- ishment or penalty should they
mosphere, where love and respect resist the authorities. This works
are present, can be attained by hu- a little, but there is a difference
man beings when we allow it to be when submission is governed by
created by God, whom a higher in- force and when submission is out
telligence, than that of an animal of respect. The Holy Bible gives us
toward their owner. Let us take a the secret to a peaceful commu-
look at how important is respect nity. In 1 Peter 5:2,3,5 it says, “Feed
in different aspects of society. the flock of God which is among
you, taking the oversight there-
of, not by constraint, but willingly;

33
not for filthy lu-
cre, but of a ready
mind; Neither as be-
ing lords over God’s
heritage, but being
examples to the flock.
…Likewise, ye younger, submit
yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all
of you be subject to one another,
and be clothed with humility: for position. Many times, utility work-
God resisteth the proud, and giveth ers are given heavy workloads
grace to the humble.” Here is sum- and specific quotas they must
marized the word “respect” that is meet. Sometimes, those burdened
very much needed in society, and workers are not able to eat their
herein lies the foundation of the meals properly, just so that they
peace that these chaotic commu- may comply and meet the order of
nities need. Being in a communi- their superiors. During the time of
ty composed of many individuals, Jesus’ ministry, he reproved those
with different ethnicities, cultures, who treated others with the same
temperaments, kinds of living harsh conditions. In Matthew 23:4,
and educational backgrounds, re- Jesus said, “For they bind heavy
spect is much needed more than burdens and grievous to be borne,
any other quality, so that there and lay them on men’s shoulder;
may be peace in the community. but they themselves will not move
Force, power, and influence may, them with one of their fingers.” Je-
at a small degree, bring temporary sus condemned that kind of treat-
peace, but respect can bring peace ment towards their fellow beings.
in a large degree that force, power, Whether they be utility workers
and influence cannot. or mangers of certain companies,
everyone deserves to be respected
RESPECT IN THE by others because they are a cre-
ation of God. I have a friend who
WORKPLACE owns a small food business; he
treats all his workers equally; he
When working in a company as a respects them and understands
utility worker, these individuals them in their lapses and mis-
are looked upon as the lowest level takes. The result is remarkable,
worker and seen as undeserving his workers love to work for him
of respect. Managers and CEO’s and do their job accordingly. He is
(though not all) tend to disrespect respected by his workers and they
their workers, thinking that those are honest with him, and because
who are working for them do not of this relationship with respect,
have the right to be equally treat- his business now keeps growing.
ed with them who are in a superior
34
 RESPECT IN THE FAMILY HOW TO ESTABLISH
RESPECT
In many families, children are treat-
ed as a possession, almost just equal Respect is defined as “due regard
to things and not as a part of the core for the feelings, wishes, rights or
unit. Parents make plans, make de- traditions of others.” Psychologists
cisions without involving their chil- says; “Respect is not something to
dren, and thus resulting to children be asked from somebody but it is
dishonoring their parents, and even freely given by somebody to those
rebelling against them. In many cas- who deserve it.” Police and Mili-
es, children do not find peace and tary officers, politicians, CEO’s and
happiness in their homes and seek managers may ask respect from
to find that happiness in the outside their subordinates and lower-lev-
world, or with friends, thus leading el workers, but several are they
to obtain influences that may ruin that are not willing to give respect
their lives. The word of God gives in return. For this reason, it is why
parents instruction on how they we have a lot of trouble and cha-
should raise their children. In Ephe- os in our society. The Bible teach-
sians 6:4, it says; “Fathers, provoke es us the “Golden Rule”; “Do unto
not your children to wrath: but bring others, what you want others to do
them up in the nurture and admo- unto you.” This means nobody can
nition of the Lord.” While children receive respect without showing
ought to love and respect their par- it first to others. In my experience
ents, it should be that parents as well with our carabao Octopus, and my
show respect to their children. The friend who owns a business, we can
thought that children do not have conclude that absolute respect can
the right to be respected in the fami- be given to you when you learn to
ly circle, brings many children to be- give respect to others even to dumb
coming a problem in society. Make animals. Now, let us stop asking re-
children a part of the plans and de- spect from others, we rather show
cision making in the family and they respect unto them that they will
will learn to trust, love and respect in return respect us as well. This is
their parents in a remarkable way. If what the whole world is in need of
in the family circle, love and respect now, and we have to start this work
are practiced by both parents and in ourselves. May the good Lord
children, we could have a happy and bless us and give peace to the world
peaceful society because family is through respect imparted by every-
the basic unit of society. one.
Amen.

35
 reading

-6-

BREAKING DOWN
BARRIERS

Sister Raquel Orce / USA

MAY 21

I
srael’s pilgrimage for 40 of the walls of Jericho that estab-
years through the desert had lishes a system of action to elimi-
ended and in order to take nate walls of separation between
possession of the land, they individuals, couples, families, insti-
encountered one natural tutions and even nations caused by
barrier, such as the river that they prejudice, fear, hatred, ignorance,
miraculously crossed, and another negativity and a whole series of
one humanly established. The city emotions, formulated in thoughts,
of Jericho was the beginning of the expressed in words and demon-
conquest and a colossal obstacle strated in attitudes of rejection,
for the people to advance and fulfill contempt and pain.
the settlement promised to Abra- It is said that a certain Chinese em-
ham and the successive patriarchs peror, when he was told that there
and now also to the 12 tribes. was an insurrection in one of the
Considering inconveniences as provinces of his empire, said to the
challenges and impediments as op- ministers of his government and to
portunities, God revealed to Joshua the military leaders who surround-
a plan for the siege and demolition ed him: “Let’s go. Follow me soon
36
I will destroy my enemies. When Joshua 2:8, “… the inhabitants of the
the emperor and his troops arrived country are fainted…”. Fear, insecu-
where the rebels were, he treated rity and mistrust are the main rea-
them kindly, who, out of gratitude, sons for building walls, as a defense
submitted to him again. All those mechanism, even between indi-
who made up the emperor’s en- viduals. The situational analysis,
tourage thought that he would or- the observation of passive and / or
der the immediate execution of all aggressive behaviors, hurtful state-
those who had rebelled against him; ments and expressions, allows the
but they were greatly surprised to verification of a separation in the
see that the emperor treated those couple, between parents and chil-
who had been rebels humanely and dren and at all social, cultural, racial
even with affection. Then the prime and national levels. The awareness
minister angrily asked the emper- of the reality described should pro-
or: “Is your Excellency fulfilling his mote a second step to eliminate the
promise in this way? You said we walls, according to God’s plan to be
were coming to destroy your ene- followed by each person who wish-
mies. You have forgiven them all, es to promote exchange, equality,
and you have even treated many trust and respect.
with affection”. Then the emper-
or, generously, said: “I promised to 2. APPROACH AND
destroy my enemies; and all of you CONSISTENCY
see that no one is my enemy any-
more: I have made all of them my Proximity and a sense of consis-
friends”. (https://www.sigueme.net/anec- tency are vital values in the second
dotas-ilustraciones/perdon/enemigos-de- biblical phase to dismantle barriers.
struidos-por-medio-del-perdón). “So you will go around the city…, go-
ing around the city once; and this
1. OBSERVATION AND you shall do for six days ”(Joshua
ANALYSIS 6:3). Israel’s proactivity in the face
of the difficulty is remarkable, since
“Now, Jericho was closed, tight- they would make themselves visi-
ly closed, because of the children ble and act systematically, for a pre-
of Israel; no one went in or out” determined time. The initiative of
(Joshua 6:1). Two human groups the daily march showed interest in
were facing each other, but isolat- taking over the city; the regularity
ed from each other. The population in the action confirmed the certain-
of the city was confined within the ty of victory and the efficiency of
walls and the Israelites were set- the process in a firm schedule. The
tled nearby. The wall that separated three variables mentioned should
them showed their differences and promote in the inhabitants of the
strengthened their estrangement, city: reflection, admiration and op-
as expressed in the quotation from portunity. Time, space and occasion

37
must be allowed for the voluntary and each of its members.
removal of barriers by individuals,
prior to divine action. 4. DYNAMICS AND SYSTEM
3. STRATEGY AND The combined action before the
RESOURCES fortress, exemplified by the sol-
diers, the presence of the priests,
“In the first place, the warriors evidencing the spirituality of the
came, that is, a body of chosen men, march, the ark as a divine seal of
not to conquer with their own skill approval and identity, as well as the
and courage, but by obedience to army of Israel in the rear, revealed
the instructions given by God. Sev- the divine - human combination. of
en priests with trumpets followed. the procession.
Then the ark of God, surrounded by “By faith the walls of Jericho fell
a halo of divine glory, was carried down ...” (Hebrews 11:30). The unity
by priests dressed in the robes of of purpose among the Israelites, the
their holy office. The army of Isra- unconditional obedience of God’s
el followed, with each tribe under people, as well as the order, solem-
its banner. Such was the proces- nity and precision in the execution
sion that surrounded the doomed of God’s plan, guaranteed divine in-
city. There was no other sound than tervention and the breaking down
the footsteps of that large host, and of the walls. The same systematic
the solemn blast of trumpets echo- sequence must be implemented at
ing through the hills and echoing any human level in conflict resolu-
through the streets of Jericho. Once tion, communication reestablish-
turned around, the army quietly ment, and barrier removal.
returned to their tents, and the ark
was put back in its place in the tab- 5. PERSISTENCE AND
ernacle” (Patriarchs and Prophets, EFFECTIVENESS
p. 522). The strategy applied by the
Israelites had been communicat- The plan implemented for six days
ed to Joshua by God himself and was about to end and the seventh
should be a model for each of us or final day included certain differ-
to follow. We must wear the armor ences: “and on the seventh day you
of heavenly virtues: truth, justice, will circle the city seven times, and
gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the priests will honk their horns
word of God, prayer, vigil, persever- ... and when they sound the ram’s
ance and supplication, according to horn for a long time, ...” (Joshua 6: 4,
Ephesians 6:10-18. Each of the ele- 5). Each day they had made only one
ments mentioned are essential for lap, but on the last day they would
protection in the fight against evil, make seven and the priests would
the wall to be demolished, and all blow their horns extensively. God
are available to the people of God had set two time periods for the fall
38
of the walls in Jericho. First a six-day becomes omnipotent. Whatever
grace period and a judgment day. It is to be done at His command may
is very important to understand be accomplished in His strength.
that the elimination of differential All His biddings are enablings”.
barriers, defense, attack must be (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 333). A
dealt with in two phases, which re- victory does not guarantee success,
quires patience, perseverance and but it is ratified by continuing in
determination. fidelity and obedience, advancing
“forward.” Life, circumstances, sit-
6. SIMULTANEITY AND uations and relationships present
IMPACT walls, barriers, separations, but the
Jericho plan makes it possible for
The desire to tear down walls must obstacles to collapse.
be made known and expressed The Chinese Wall is a set of walled
clearly, as well as the waiting and sections that were erected to pro-
completion time in a firm and co- tect the Chinese states from the
herent way, as described in Joshua invasions of the nomadic groups
6:5 “… so hear the sound of the horn, that inhabited the Eurasian steppe.
all the people will shout loudly”. Lis- Its construction began between the
tening to how to give the right sound 8th and 5th centuries BC, although
is of great importance to transmit the most recognized sections are
a clear and impressive message those corresponding to the Ming
in a joint way. “And if the trumpet dynasty, in the 14th century AD. It
gives an uncertain sound, who will is estimated that the total length of
prepare for battle?” (1 Corinthians the Great Wall was 21,196 km, which
14:8). It is essential to act, decide would be equivalent to a little more
and communicate in harmony with than half the circumference of the
the word of God. Everything that in Earth (https://www.milenio.com/cultura/
estos-son-los- most-famous-walls-in-his-
a human relationship is disturbing, tory). It is interesting to note that the
toxic, hurtful and distancing be- main objective of the wall was to
tween individuals is perceived as a prevent the entry of other people,
barrier. while another wall, more contem-
porary is the Berlin Wall that was
7. VICTORY AND ADVANCE not built to prevent access to out-
siders, but to prevent people from
“… And the wall of the city will fall; leaving the German Democratic
then shall the people go up, each Republic during the communist re-
one straight forward” (Joshua 6: 5). gime. Built in 1961, this wall divided
The promises of the Lord are true Berlin in two until November 1989
and sure and by implementing the (https://www.milenio.com/cultura/estos-
different steps mentioned, victo- son-los-muros-mas-famosos-de-la-histo-
ry is assured. “As the will of man ria).
co-operates with the will of God, it Any impediment to good comes

39
from inside and / or outside. Be sym- The Jericho experience teaches
bolically understood like the Berlin us not to start wars, since going
wall that preventing from freedom, around the city was a religious pro-
joy and peace in Christ from the cession. It was not the soldiers who
very parapet built throughout life, broke down the walls, but at the
as a result of disappointments, de- sound of the horns and the voices of
ceptions, trauma, abuse, as well as the people for the order and power
defects and vile practices or like the of God. No sound of war was heard
great wall of China that prevents for six days as the Lord had stipulat-
connection with other options, ed. As the ark of the covenant that
forms and values establishing
​​ a contained the Ten Commandments
voluntary isolation of preservation, it represented the presence as well
which blocks the divine influence as the character of God that was re-
in the life of the individual, accord- vealed in all the time of grace and
ing to the description of Isaiah 59:2 the judgment as well. Obedience
“But your iniquities have done sep- and fidelity to the word of God was
aration between you and your God, an essential prerequisite in the pro-
and your sins have made him hide cess of removing the wall, through
his face from you so that he will not “… faith that works out of love” (Ga-
listen”. However, the Lord desires to latians 5:6). Seven is a number that
tear down “… the middle wall of sep- expresses fullness and teaches us
aration” Ephesians 2:14. to consider the element of patience
Spurgeon was once visiting a friend in the elimination of barriers, since
in the field. He saw that on one of seven days had to surround the city
the barns he had placed a weather once and seven times the last, since
vane with the inscription “God is “with your patience you will win
Love.” He then asked her if by that your souls” (Luke 21 : 9), as well as
text he meant that God’s love was that of the others. The children of
as changeable as the wind. The man Israel fulfilled, advanced and ob-
replied that no, what he meant was tained the victory, according to the
that God is love always, no matter time, the action and the model of
where the winds blow from. (https:// God, “but thank God, who gives us
www.sigueme.net/anecdotas-ilustraciones/ the victory through our Lord Jesus
amor/dios-es-amor-en-todos-los-vientos). Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57).
Amen.

40
 reading

-7-

RESTORING
MY FAMILY

Pastor Adalicio Fontes / Portugal

MAY 28

I
srael was experiencing the stones, according to the number
greatest apostasy in its histo- of the tribes of the sons of Jacob,
ry. The abandonment of the to whom the word of the Lord had
true faith, the worship of false come, saying, ‘Israel shall be your
gods and the destruction of name.’” (1 Kings 18: 30-31).
the altar of the Lord had caused the The altar is a symbol of true wor-
great majority of families to tear ship and its reconstruction with the
down the altar of family and col- scattered crumbled stones means
lective worship. God was no longer that each member of the family
worshiped in Israel. Under these is called to be part of the altar and
conditions, God called Elijah to re- tabernacle of the house of Christ.
build the altar of the Lord. Peter wrote to the church, “you also,
“Then Elijah said to all the people, as living stones, are being built up
‘Come near to me.’ So, all the people a spiritual house, a holy priest-
came near to him. And he repaired hood, to offer up spiritual sacrific-
the altar of the Lord that was bro- es acceptable to God through Jesus
ken down. And Elijah took twelve Christ.” (1 Peter 2:5). The true Chris-

41
tian is a “living stone” on the altar of the sons of Jacob… he built an altar
God. in the name of the Lord” (1 Kings 18:
Malachi prophesied that the proph- 30-32).
et Elijah would come on a great
mission as the greatest of all signs. The first stone in the
“Behold, I will send you Elijah the reconstruction of the family is
prophet before the coming of the UNITY – Matthew 19:5.
great and dreadful day of the Lord. “And said, ‘For this reason a man
And he will turn the hearts of the fa- shall leave his father and mother
thers to the children, and the hearts and be joined to his wife, and the
of the children to their fathers, lest two shall become one flesh’?”
I come and strike the earth with a It is established that no one must
curse.” (Malachi 4:5-6). lose their personal identity in the
Elijah would come (John the Bap- new relationship. You cannot lose
tist) to prepare the people to receive sight of either the author or the
Jesus. The messages have always model because when you change
been of decision and reconstruc- the model, you change the basis,
tion and also directed to the family. and from these changes the result
John the Baptist went to Herod to will be destruction.
open his eyes by telling him, ‘You In the original model of the fam-
are breaking the seventh com- ily, we find this unity in the union
mandment and are living with your of the first couple, Adam and Eve:
brother’s wife.’ “And Adam said, “This is now bone
As in this typological relationship, of my bones and flesh of my flesh;
the first Elijah came at a dramatic she shall be called Woman, because
moment in Israel’s history, when a she was taken out of Man… and they
family reformation was required. shall become one flesh” (Genesis
Although Jezebel lived in an atmo- 2:23-24). Therefore, the family unit
sphere of total apostasy and rebel- was built by God from the begin-
lion in Baal worship, Ahab did not ning. This implies that the husband
bother to unite in marriage with and wife, as father and mother, are
this woman who was an enemy of primarily responsible for shaping
God and his people. It was then that the family unit, and should act as a
God called Elijah to rebuild the true unifying instrument. The signs that
religion among the families. are emitted in daily relationships,
such as the expressions of affec-
The Twelve Stones to Rebuild tion and love between spouses, are
the Altar in the Family the reference and only God will be
able to provide this fraternal envi-
“And he repaired the altar of the ronment. Let us remember that our
Lord that was broken down. And home is the first school and the first
Elijah took twelve stones, accord- church, where God begins to act in
ing to the number of the tribes of our formation as believers and as

42
citizens. We must transform our church.” {UL 33.4}
house into a house that serves the
Lord. (Joshua 24:15). The fourth stone:
COURTESY - Proverbs 11:25.
The second stone: Courtesy is a virtue that opens the
RESPONSIBILITY – Matthew 19:4-6. way to happiness. It manifests itself
“…Therefore, what God has joined in acts of kindness, love and courte-
together, let not man separate.” sy. Courtesy is treating others as we
In marriage there are three part- would like to be treated by others.
ners: God and each spouse. Thus, One discovers a thousand little
we are accountable to the Creator ways to please the other. One does
Himself and to the other spouse for not treat the other in a coarse or
every act performed in the delicate rude manner. Courtesy and kind-
marriage relationship. ness are languages that the deaf
We are accountable before God. He can hear and the dumb can speak.
will not approve of any injustice or “The daily acts of life tell the mea-
violation of sanctity in our mar- sure and mold of our disposition
riage. This is our responsibility. and character. Where there is a
lack of home religion, a profession
The third stone: of faith is valueless. Then let no un-
PATIENCE - Revelation 14:12. kind words fall from the lips of those
Patience is the virtue that holds who compose the home circle.
couples together and eases the fric- Make the atmosphere fragrant with
tion that arises with married life. It tender thoughtfulness of others…
is through patience that a person The work of sanctification begins in
can endure great trials and tribu- the home. Those who are Christians
lations as well as the little annoy- in the home will be Christians in the
ances of every day. A patient person church and in the world. There are
“bears all things, believes all things, many who do not grow in grace be-
hopes all things, endures all things.” cause they fail of cultivating home
(1 Corinthians 13: 7) The patient per- religion.” {CG 481.1,3}
son tolerates the faults and failures “Unless you manifest meekness,
of others. And he is calm in the face kindness, and courtesy in your
of setbacks. home, your religion will be vain. If
“The family whose members love there were more genuine home re-
God and one another, who do not ligion, there would be more power
get provoked, who are longsuffer- in the church.” {AH 319.3}
ing, forbearing, kind, is a symbol of
the family above. The members re- The fifth stone:
alize that they are a part of the great PURITY - Matthew 5:8.
firm of heaven. They are taught by Purity is the essence of transparent
the laws of mutual dependence and genuine Christianity. The pure
to rely upon the great Head of the in heart is not a slave to his pas-

43
sions. He is free from malice and knowledge of dangers and avoids
impure thoughts. He does not use difficulties. Prudence leads people
falsehood or lies. He is faithful to to act with moderation with respect
his spouse with whom he made the to their responsibilities and rights.
marriage vow before the Lord. God The best synonym for prudence is
has a promise for the pure in Mat- common sense. This means apply-
thew 5: 8. ing wisdom in the right way and at
the right time. The prudent person
The sixth stone: is sensible and cautious. He does not
PRAYER - Romans 12:1. expose himself to dangers. He thinks
“Every morning and evening a lamb well before he speaks and acts.
of a year old was burned upon the Advise from the Servant of the
altar, with its appropriate meat of- Lord, “There is a sacred circle
fering, thus symbolizing the daily around every family which should
consecration of the nation to Jeho- be preserved. No other one has
vah, and their constant dependence any right in that sacred circle. The
upon the atoning blood of Christ… husband and wife should be all to
The hours appointed for the morn- each other. The wife should have
ing and the evening sacrifice were no secrets to keep from her hus-
regarded as sacred, and they came band and let others know, and the
to be observed as the set time for husband should have no secrets to
worship throughout the Jewish na- keep from his wife to relate to oth-
tion.” {PP 353.3} ers. The heart of his wife should be
“Like the patriarchs of old, those the grave for the faults of the hus-
who profess to love God should erect band, and the heart of the husband
an altar to the Lord wherever they the grave for his wife’s faults. Nev-
pitch their tent. If ever there was a er should either party indulge in a
time when every house should be joke at the expense of the other’s
a house of prayer, it is now. Fathers feelings. Never should either the
and mothers should often lift up husband or wife in sport or in any
their hearts to God in humble sup- other manner complain of each
plication for themselves and their other to others, for frequently in-
children. Let the father, as priest of dulging in this foolish and what
the household, lay upon the altar of may seem perfectly harmless jok-
God the morning and evening sac- ing will end in trial with each other
rifice, while the wife and children and perhaps estrangement. I have
unite in prayer and praise. In such been shown that there should be a
a household Jesus will love to tarry.” sacred shield around every fami-
{Pr 21.2} ly.1 {AH 177.1}

The seventh stone: The eighth stone:

PRUDENCE – Proverbs 19:11 UNDERSTANDING –
Prudence is the virtue that gives Philippians 1:9.

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Why do many find a wall of lamen- Silence is an instrument used in
tation in marriage? Because they many marriages at the wrong time.
do not try to understand each oth- Indifference to the wife’s feelings
er. Fight for one another, but not and refusal to dialogue with her can
against each other. lead to the failure of the marriage.
The reality in millions of homes The silence imposed by the man
today are husbands who no longer can lead to the breakdown of the
understand their wives, parents marriage and slowly kill it.
who do not talk to their children, One of the greatest concerns of a
siblings who have quarrelled and woman is not that her husband will
have not spoken for years, children solve everything, but that he will
who do not accept their parents’ listen to her.
determinations. They are people Why do many marriages not stand
who, little by little or suddenly, de- the test of time? Because they toler-
cided to live under the same roof, ate everything that bothers and do
but without cultivating any kind of not create a climate of dialogue. As
affective relationship or commit- human beings we need to commu-
ment to family activities. Or they nicate and share our feelings; and
definitely broke the family bond this applies especially to marriage.
and literally separated. The fami-
ly bond, so important, seems to no The tenth stone:
longer exist and, what is worse, the FORGIVENESS – Matthew 5: 23-24.
feeling is that it is impossible to re- God’s purpose in creating the fam-
build it. However, this is not true. ily was His praise, that His glo-
We are trained to avoid conflict ry would spread throughout the
at all costs, thinking that this is earth. Therefore, any attack to the
what keeps the peace. But what family is an attack to God. We live
promotes and maintains peace in a time when families are being
is conflict resolution. The Bible terribly attacked by arrows com-
says, “If it is possible, as much ing from all directions. Satan has
as depends on you, live peace- done everything, using sophisti-
ably with all men”. (Romans 12:18) cated strategies and weapons to
weaken and destroy the family that
The ninth Stone: God created. Also, our hardness of
COMMUNICATION – heart, which is nothing more than
What is communication? It is noth- pride, bitterness and difficulty in
ing more than the art of encounter. forgiving with the same measure
Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue of forgiveness with which God has
has the power of life and death, and forgiven us in Christ Jesus. This
those who love it will eat its fruit.” has caused many disturbances in
Whether it is death or life, happi- families. We do not accept that not
ness or unhappiness, it all depends forgiving the other is not being for-
on how we communicate. given by God. But there is hope for

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restoration. The Bible assures us of minion; a complete dedication to
this possibility. We need to let the the welfare of the loved one, as well
Lord perform this miracle of resto- as to Christ with his church. True
ration completely. Our families can love is more than just a feeling. It is
be a blessing in God’s hands. a principle.
Pastor Dinart Barradas, of the Fami- Love that is based solely on feelings
ly University, points out that hypoc- has no hope of continuing for a life-
risy damages trust and this affects time. However, love that is based on
transparency in relationships. Like- principle will not only last, but will
wise, hardness of heart is the great- face any problem or trial. God will
est enemy of family restoration. use the family as the environment
The one who makes a mistake fails in which the formation and devel-
to take responsibility for his or her opment of ethical, moral, social,
offenses, just as the one who has spiritual and religious values will
been offended does not seek to take place.
forgive the other one. Restoring a “The home may be plain, but it can
family or a marriage that has been always be a place where cheerful
destroyed requires the exercise of words are spoken and kindly deeds
forgiveness. are done, where courtesy and love
Forgiveness is undoubtedly the key are abiding guests.” {AH 18.2}
word in the process of rebuilding The Christian should cultivate love
family ties. Paul guided in Colos- and tenderness in the home. Paul
sians 3:13, “Bear with each other says, “Therefore, as God’s cho-
and forgive one another.” Without sen people, holy and dearly loved,
forgiveness there is no way to take clothe yourselves with compassion,
the first step. The art of forgiveness kindness, humility, gentleness and
must be learned by every Christian patience.” (Colossians 3.12).
who wants to be happy. Forgiveness Love is responsible for eliminating
is not an option; it is a necessity. most of the problems in marital re-
There are some magic words that lationships.
open the doors to happiness: I was The earthly family is a representa-
wrong, I am sorry, forgive me, I am tion of the heavenly family. Parents
very sad because I hurt you. But re- and children must learn to fight
member something even more im- against temptations and sin, in the
portant: to know how to forgive is home there must be love, that love
very good, but to know how not to that unites the hearts of each mem-
offend is much better. ber with strong bonds. Love is the
law of heaven that unites the Divin-
The eleventh stone: ity with humanity.
LOVE - 1 Corinthians 13:1-13.
The Bible speaks of a new kind of The twelfth stone:
dominance in marriage, therefore, GODLINESS - 1 Timothy 6:6.
it is love; a dominion without do- The virtue of godliness can make

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up for the lack of one or more of ing flax He will not quench; He will
the above qualities. One may not bring forth justice for truth.”
have these qualities, but godliness Here before us is the mission of
cannot be lacking. It is the original Jesus; He who came to this world
source of all the other virtues. How bringing blessings of restoration.
can you identify a godly person? The broken reed will be reconsti-
The Bible gives the characteristics tuted and the smoking flax will
of someone who is godly. In Gene- have light again. Jesus’ mission
sis 5 the name Enoch is mentioned. would then be to restore what was
He is described as someone who broken, what seems useless and
“walked with God”. In the book of unusable. The prophet says to us
Hebrews, Enoch is described as a through the allegory of the smok-
person who “pleased God”. There- ing wick to which God, in his in-
fore, we have two characteristics of finite grace, sent Jesus, instead of
Enoch: he walked with God and he replacing the smoking and use-
pleased God. In other words, his life less wick, to restore its function of
was centred on God. He maintained lighting the house. May the stones
his communion with God. the Bible of unity, responsibility, patience,
teaches that Jesus submitted to his courtesy, purity, prayer, prudence,
father, yet he is equal to his father. understanding, communication,
Therefore, a submissive wife is no forgiveness, love and mercy be the
less valuable as a human being and reconstructive elements in your life
is godly in her marriage. Therefore, and in your family.
a godly person is one who is a friend Jesus wants to light the fire in your
of Jesus. home, he wants your home to be-
come a little heaven on earth. May
The Blessing of Restoration. God bless all families in these last
days, and may the flame of love in
We find a beautiful promise of res- our homes never be extinguished.
toration in Isaiah 42:3, “A bruised Amen.
reed He will not break, and smok-

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 GRATITUDE
The Family Department is very grateful to translators, proofreaders, edi-
tors, designer, publicists, coordinators, writers, Unions, and all the people
who made it possible for these Family Readings to be available in 18 lan-
guages.

My special thanks to my team.

The Lord “give you according to the desire of your heart,

and fulfill all your purposes”
Psalms 20:4

Pastor Adalicio Fontes.

Family Department Leader.

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