This article is connected to our, In My Father’s House Bible Study. Click here for the table of contents.

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Chapter 7 is one of my favorite chapters in this study. Perhaps that’s because “Life in the Household of God” reminds me so much of my teen years. The coffee was always on, and there was rarely a day that someone didn’t stop in to grab a cup or two. We hosted missionaries, Bible college students, musical artists, and guest pastors. We had Bible studies in the basement, and on warm summer nights, we’d worship around a fire in the backyard.

The church was—and still is—my family. And because we’re family, our fellowship reaches far beyond the four walls of a church building.

Isn’t that the way it should be? God designed His people to share life together—to encourage one another, serve one another, bear one another’s burdens, and help each other follow Christ.

Ephesians 4:16 tells us, “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

What Paul is saying there is that Christ holds His people together, and as every believer faithfully serves, the whole church becomes stronger, more mature, and more loving.

Now, that’s the way it should be, but at the same time, I realize that’s not the way it always is.

Some have been deeply hurt by the church—
by careless words, broken trust,
hypocrisy, or even spiritual abuse.

And I don’t want to brush that pain aside.

The fact is, the church has never been perfect. In fact, if you look at the letters to the churches in the New Testament, you’ll see that several problems had to be addressed.

People within the church have always fallen short, and the harm they cause can leave deep wounds that take time to heal.

But those failures don’t change God’s design for His people. They magnify our mission. They remind us how important it is that we walk humbly, love sincerely, and do our part to make the church a place where people are strengthened, cared for, and drawn closer to Him.

At the same time, we must remind ourselves that people are imperfect, but God is good. Our faith was never meant to rest on the shoulders of other believers. It rests on Jesus Christ—the One who never fails, never changes, and never abandons His people.

When we’ve been hurt, withdrawing can feel safer than opening our hearts again. And sometimes, a season of healing and distance from an unhealthy situation may be necessary. But isolation was never meant to become our permanent home. God often brings comfort, correction, encouragement, and strength into our lives through other believers.

We need one another.

We need people who will pray when we’re too weary to find the words. We need friends who will remind us of truth when our feelings are pulling us in another direction. And others need the gifts, compassion, wisdom, and encouragement that God has placed within us.

Life in the household of God is not about finding perfect people. It’s about imperfect people learning to follow a perfect Saviour together. It means offering grace while still walking in truth. It means forgiving when we’ve been wronged, humbly receiving correction when we’re wrong, and choosing to love even when love requires patience.

Each one of us has a part to play.

We may not host missionaries or gather around a fire in the backyard, but we can open our homes, make a phone call, bring a meal, sit beside someone who feels alone, or quietly pray for a struggling friend. These ordinary acts of love are some of the ways the body of Christ “grows and builds itself up in love.”

The church may not always look the way it should, but by the grace of God, we can help it become what He designed it to be—a household where truth is spoken, grace is given, burdens are shared, and Christ is honoured.

Each of us has a part to play in helping that happen.

So let’s faithfully take our place in the household of God.

This article is connected to our, In My Father’s House Bible Study. Continue studying God’s Word with the complete book, available now on Amazon.

Final Thought

As you move through this week, consider the place God has given you within His household.

Ask Him to show you who may need encouragement, prayer, or practical help. Your part may seem small, but simple acts of faithfulness can strengthen the body of Christ.

Then ask, “Lord, how can I serve the people You have placed around me and reflect the love of Christ?”

And if you’d like to connect with other women who are walking through this study, Join the discussion in our Facebook group. It’s a warm, encouraging space to share what God is teaching you and to grow together.

This Week’s Bible Verse

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Week 4 at a Glance 

Would you like a printable copy of this schedule? If so, click here.

A Note About Journaling
As you move through this study, consider keeping a personal journal nearby. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just a simple notebook where you can jot down your prayers, reflections, and anything the Lord impresses on your heart. This is your space to write freely, revisit lessons, and record your own journey of restoration.

TUESDAY

Visit TWW – Visit timewarpwife.com or check your inbox to find a link to this week’s video.

Read Chapter 7: Built Up in Love – Focus on serving and strengthening others within God’s household.

Read Ephesians 4:11-16 – Notice how each believer helps the body grow in love.

Community Check-In – Share one takeaway or prayer request.

WEDNESDAY

Read Acts 9:32-43 – Consider Tabitha’s faithful service and practical love.

Continue Chapter 7 – Complete the word study, questions, and Faith in Action section.

Share Your Insight – Post one simple way believers can encourage one another.

THURSDAY

Read 1 Peter 4:10 & Galatians 6:9-10 – Reflect on using your gifts to serve others faithfully.

Finish Chapter 7 – Complete any remaining questions and prayer.

Begin Chapter 8: Radiance – Focus on allowing the light of Christ to shine through your life.

FRIDAY

Read Proverbs 31:10-31 – Notice how godly character is revealed through everyday faithfulness.

Continue Chapter 8 – Complete the word study and “A Quiet Strength” section.

Community Engagement – Share one quality that reflects the character of Christ.

Closing Thoughts – Visit timewarpwife.com or check your inbox.

SATURDAY

Read John 15:1-8 & Matthew 5:14-16 – Consider how abiding in Christ enables us to bear fruit and shine.

Finish Chapter 8 – Complete the questions, Faith in Action section, and prayer.

Catch-Up – Finish anything you may have missed.

SUNDAY – No assignments today. Rest, worship, and thank the Lord for the ways His love and light are revealed through His people.

MONDAY

Wrap-Up Reflection – Think back over what you learned about life within God’s household and the light of Christ shining through His people. Where might God be inviting you to serve, encourage someone, or reflect His character more clearly? Write a few thoughts in your journal.

Final Community Post – Share one truth, verse, or practical step from this week’s study that you want to carry forward.