October 9

Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. — Rom 5:3-4 BSB

At first glance, it may seem that the happiest home is one where no sorrow has ever come—where there has been only prosperity and blessing, and no tears have been shed. But it takes sorrow to deepen love’s happiness.

The sweetest homes are often those that have known grief. We do not discover the richest blessings in the Bible until we walk through dark valleys. We don’t see the stars until night comes. There is no rainbow without clouds. In the same way, we do not experience the deepest love of our friends while everything is going well. It is only in times of grief or trouble that we discover how deeply we are loved. And we do not experience the best of God’s grace until we are in sorrow.

Grief softens our hearts, deepens our affections, and draws us closer to one another. After a family stands together around the grave of a loved one, a new tenderness binds them together. Suffering together creates a deeper bond of love. In this way, even sorrow can be considered part of what makes a home happy.