Principal's Ponderings

Modelling Christ’s Love in Our Homes

At Devonport Christian School, we often talk about how we want to shape young hearts and minds for the future. But the truth is, some of the most powerful lessons in faith, love, and character begin at home.

As parents, our children do not just listen to what we say, they watch what we do. Last week I wrote about how we speak to our children, but also when we don't use words, we are also impacting our children. They learn love by how we love, grace by how we forgive, and servanthood by how we serve.

When Jesus said in John 13:34, “Love one another as I have loved you,” He was not just talking about how we treat strangers. He was also calling us to love intentionally in our homes, where real, raw and sometimes messy life happens. 

We all make mistakes. Usually it's when I am tired or not enough space and time to pause. There are days when we get it wrong, when stress, tiredness, or frustration lead to words we wish we could take back. But here is the beauty of Christ’s love: grace always makes a way.

Corrie ten Boom once said, “There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still.” What if we extended that same grace to our children when they fail? Instead of reacting in frustration, what if we responded in gentle correction, kindness, and love?

Parenting is not about being perfect, it is about pointing our children to the One who is. Home should be a safe place where forgiveness is freely given. Ephesians 4:32 reminds us, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

When we model humility by apologising to our children when we have been harsh, we teach them that forgiveness is a way of life. When we help siblings reconcile after an argument, we show them that relationships matter more than being right.

Being a parent is one of the greatest examples of sacrifice. We lay down our wants and desires for others, our children. The greatest example of this serving, is Jesus. Jesus lived as a servant. In Matthew 20:28, He said, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.”

I have started thinking about the impact for generations we can have if our homes were places where servant-hearted love was talked about in daily practice?

• Serving through words: encouraging, building each other up.

• Serving through actions: helping with chores, showing kindness in small ways.

• Serving through time: putting down distractions and truly being present with one another.

Billy Graham once said, “The greatest legacy one can pass on is not material things, but rather a legacy of character and faith.” None of us will get it right all the time, but our commitment to love like Jesus makes all the difference.

Recently as I was listening to a podcast the speaker mentioned a book with a powerful reflection. I have not read this book yet, but as I looked up reviews and other commentary I have found this fits perfectly with this topic and is now on my 'to read list'. The Covenant of Water is a sweeping story that journeys across generations of a South Indian Christian family, held together by love, faith, and an unexplainable sorrow. At the centre of the story is Big Ammachi, a woman of quiet strength who becomes the heart of her home, choosing to live faithfully amidst mystery, loss, and great love. A review goes on to say, The Covenant of Water reminds us that family legacy matters. What we pass on, our stories, our values, our love, shapes the next generation. In our own school community, I see this every day: in the way our staff lovingly support students, in the laughter echoing through classrooms, and in the courage students show as they learn and grow. I wonder if like Big Ammachi, we are part of something bigger, a legacy of hope, healing, and faithful presence. As a Christian community, we know that true healing comes through Jesus. He is our living water, the One who quenches our thirst and restores our soul.

Will you join with me, and make our homes places where grace flows freely, forgiveness is abundant, and servant-hearted love is our daily example?

Because when we love like Christ at home, we raise children and young people who will carry His love into the world.

Shalom,

Chad Smit