A number of Heaven in Your Homes Letters subscribers have asked, “Can you provide some Scripture verses that can help me strengthen my Trinity House’s 5 levels?” We’re happy to share an initial sketch with you here! But this is very much a work in progress, so we hope you’ll share other favorite verses that come to mind when you think about the 5 levels. That way, we can all hone this list over time. In other words, we want to hear from you! Just hit reply. 

Even though this is just an initial draft, we invite you to 1) print up this list and incorporate it into one of your prayer times this week. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide you. Perhaps there is one level that needs more attention—if that’s the case, see if these passages can provide a new insight; 2) consider memorizing one or two verses; and 3) consider hanging these verses on your fridge or bulletin board—next to your Heaven in Your Home flowchart—as a way to keep your most important goals front and center.

Level 1: Faith Life
In Faith Life, we root our family in God’s other-centered life through prayer, scripture study, and sacraments, starting with the individual’s and couple’s life of prayer and moving out to the whole family. In Level 1, we receive the grace to focus on one another instead of self. The core practice is a Holy Sabbath, by which we receive God’s life in communion and strengthen the gift by resting in it.  

• “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Josh. 24:15
• “For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.” Eph. 3:14-15
• “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Ex. 20:8
• “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Dt. 6:6-7

Level 2: Person & Relationships
In Person & Relationships, we acknowledge that the health and development of each family member starts with a healthy marriage. When a couple focuses on serving each other, developing as individuals and as a couple, they will have what it takes to help each child delve into the development of God-given gifts, identity, communication and relationships. In Level 2, we grow healthy people and relationships. The main activity is Date Night, by which we bring communion into our marriage, allowing it to then flow into all of our relationships. 

• “Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are.” Jn. 17:11
• “Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, [love] is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury.” I Cor. 13:4-5
• “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Col. 3:13

Level 3: Household Economy
In Household Economy, when people are healthy, in good relationships, and actively developing their gifts, they are able to make valuable, unique contributions to the household. In Level 3, we use our unique gifts and shared work to care for one another. The main activity is the spouses’ weekly Life Meeting, in which they communicate about what needs to get done to care for the family.

• “He must manage his own household well…for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?” I Tim. 3:4-5
• “But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load.” Gal. 6:4-5
• “Let all that you do be done in love.” I. Cor. 16:14

Level 4: Family Culture
In Family Culture, when the work is done, it’s time to enjoy building up family traditions, enjoying free time together based on a solid household economy. At this level, there’s so much to enjoy together: feasting and fasting, observing the liturgical year, holidays, pets, music, art, sports, travel, reading, and other types of leisure pursuits. In Level 4, we enjoy the fruits of our hard work. The main activity is the Family Meal, when the family gets together daily to enjoy one another’s company.  

• “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Ps. 118:24
• “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Ps. 23:6
• “Everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man.” Ec. 3:13

Level 5: Hospitality & Service
In Hospitality & Service, it’s only natural for a family who loves well, works hard, and has a rich culture to want to open their doors to share with others, whether through hosting family and friends or doing service activities in their community. In Level 5, we share our taste of heaven with others. The main activity is One Outreach, a simple intention to host or serve others and to share our taste of heaven.  

• “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Heb. 13:2
• “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.” Mt. 25:35-36
• “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Gal. 5:13