A house is built with cement, sand and water but a home is built with love, joy, peace and friendship. Often, people prioritise security measures such as big gates, security guards, police escorts and CCTV, and although this is not to say that these security measures are not important, the most important security a home can have is that of love, laughter and goodwill. The foundational building block of the society – the family – is gradually crumbling, as there is an increase in the number of homeless people living in big houses. Yes, it is possible to live within four walls and a roof and be homeless.

With so much strife and stress wrought upon us by the outside world, the home should be a haven or place of refuge. According to Maslow, in the hierarchy of human needs, safety is the second most fundamental human need, after basic physiological needs such as food, sleep, breathing etc. Safety is not just about physical dangers; we also need to feel safe and secure within our families. We are in a constant fight for safety, be it financial, health or job security, which is why our home should be our safe place.

Proverbs 25:24 says, “It is better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, than in a house with a contentious woman.” This goes some way to explain why many bars and hangouts are filled at night. Husbands and children would rather stay out late than deal with a contentious home.

As a woman, you have the power to determine the atmosphere in your home; so set out to ensure that your home is a peaceful, loving environment. It has been said that “Safety is not the absence of danger; it is the presence of God.” Allow the presence of God to saturate your home. Psalm 16:11 says “In the presence of the Lord, there is fullness of joy and at His right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Even if your spouse annoys you, the Bible says to forgive seventy times seven (Matthew 18:22). Don’t allow the sun to go down on your wrath; resolve every issue before going to bed. Apologize even if you are the offended party – then, once peace has been restored, seek to calmly discuss the issues to prevent them from reoccurring. Don’t always seek your own way; there is no shame in being wrong. Appreciate your spouse’s little efforts and pay him compliments.

Don’t let the devil distract you by making your home unsecured. As imperfect as we all are, your home should be a reflection of heaven on earth.