“Be faithful to love your family, and over time, God will bear fruit!”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – September 21, 2026
Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you. Mark 5:19
A few weeks ago, my wife, Rita, and I had the joy of hosting six of our older grandchildren, ages 12–16, for the weekend. During Saturday breakfast, we shared God stories about His provision and faithfulness over the years. They leaned in with genuine interest. We laughed, cried, and celebrated the Lord’s love. Rita and I recently recommitted to sharing Jesus with our family in a systematic, creative way.
In our opening Scripture, Jesus met a man no one else could reach: cast out, living among the dead, chained, self-harming, howling day and night. Whatever “rock bottom” means, he was it. Jesus delivered him. The saved man wanted to go with his Savior, but Jesus wisely commissioned him home. His first ministry was waiting to be loved. The people closest to him needed to see what mercy had done in him.
Your family can be the hardest and the easiest to reach for the Lord. Hardest because of your role. You are “just” a son or “just” a brother or sister. They may see your faith as a phase, or wait to see if you are serious after questionable character in the past. Easiest because of your direct influence. They experience you regularly. Your love, grace, acceptance, and forgiveness are like magnets. Avoid self-righteousness; it is the biggest turn-off. Over-forgive. Be faithful to love your family, and over time, God will bear fruit!
Pray for a wise path to carry the good news of Jesus. Based on our Lord’s instructions, consider these ideas: Jesus targets family first. “Go home to your family.” The hardest people to reach are often those who watched us before we were changed. And yet He sends the delivered man specifically to them, because those witnesses will be most shaken when they see the change. Your credentials are not knowledge; they are your testimony. Jesus said: tell them what the Lord has done for you. That was enough. It is still enough. The mission field is where you already are. Be real about where the Lord has brought you, and how He is still growing you.
“I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also” (2 Timothy 1:5).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, make my home my first mission field. Give me humility, patience, and unlimited forgiveness. Let my family see mercy in me and be drawn to Jesus through my daily witness. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
Today, tell one family member one specific way the Lord has been good to you. No lecture, just a story. Then over-forgive one offense. Live your testimony before you speak it.
Related Reading
Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Psalm 78:4-6; John 1:41-42; Acts 16:31
Worship Resource
Phil Wickham: House of the Lord
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