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Peter’s Counsel to Parents
Peace in the home
Is there anything desirable in impatience? The loud, harsh com-
plaint, the fretful, faultfinding spirit, are evidences of a narrow, con-
ceited mind. Impatience brings strife and accusation and sorrow; but
patience pours the balm of peace and love into the experiences of the
home life. When we exercise the precious grace of patience toward
others, they will reflect our spirit, and we shall gather with Christ.
Patience will seek for unity in the church, in the family, and in the
community. This grace must be woven into our lives. Everyone should
mount this round of progress, and add to faith, virtue, and temperance,
the grace of patience.
Round six: Godliness Beauty of religion in the home
“And to patience godliness.” Godliness is the fruit of Christian
character. If we abide in the Vine, we shall bear the fruits of the Spirit.
The life of the Vine will manifest itself through the branches. We
must have a close and intimate connection with heaven, if we bear the
grace of godliness. Jesus must be a guest in our homes, a member
of our households, if we reflect His image and show that we are sons
and daughters of the Most High. Religion is a beautiful thing in the
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home. If the Lord abides with us, we shall feel that we are members
of Christ’s family in heaven. We shall realize that angels are watching
us, and our manners will be gentle and forbearing. We shall be fitting
up for an entrance into the courts of heaven, by cultivating courtesy
and godliness. Our conversation will be holy, and our thoughts will be
upon heavenly things.
Round seven: Brotherly kindness—the example of Enoch
Earthly home fits for heaven
Enoch walked with God. He honored God in every affair of life.
In his home and in his business, he inquired, “Will this be acceptable
to the Lord?” And by remembering God, and following His counsel,
he was transformed in character, and became a godly man, whose
ways pleased the Lord. We are exhorted to add to godliness, brotherly
kindness. O how much we need to take this step, to add this quality
to our characters! In many of our homes there is a hard, combative