A Strong Family 5

Memory Verse: …  ” But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” – Joshua 24:15b (NIV).

Text: Deuteronomy 6:1-12

Spiritual Emphasis: God is the Creator of the family, God desires that it be strong and healthy. However, throughout history, families have experienced conflicts and brokenness. Cain, Adam and Eve’s first son killed his brother; and Abraham and Sarah made a mistake when Hagar became the third person in their life. Sadly, conditions have not improved with the passage of time. But there is hope because of Jesus Christ, and He has given us guidelines for strengthening our families.

      How to Strengthen and Uplift our Families

• Sharing your Heartaches, Disappointments, Trials, and Tough Times: When your children reach an appropriate age, begin telling them about some of your struggles so they can see how God works. As a result, they’ll be more willing to share their burdens with you – Heb.10:24-25; Psalm 31:21-24; Psalm 121:1-2; John 16:33.

• Teaching Good Values: As a parent, it is our responsibility to teach our children good values and principles. We are to teach our children about Jesus Christ. Help them understand the difference between right and wrong. Good values lead to good choices, and good choices always lead to God – Galatians 5:22-26; Deu. 6:6-7; 2 Tim. 3:16; Eph. 6:1-3; Eph. 4:32.

Questions/Activities: 1. How best do we prepare our children to be true ambassadors of Christ?

2. What is the appropriate age to share our heartaches, disappointments, trials and tough times with our children?

Conclusion. If you want a healthy family, set the tone, be the example, one who extends grace first and often. It’s a beautiful resemblance of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So, when we put God first, the creator and builder of the family, He gives us the grace to build a strong and healthy family that will serve and remain faithful to Him.  We are also in a better position to not just talk about the gospel but model it to our families and the society at large.

Self-Study: Psalm 32:8; Psalm 6:9; Genesis 2:24; Psalm 68:6; Ephesians 6:4; Ephesians 6:1; Proverbs 31:25; Proverbs 13:24; Proverbs 15:17; Romans 12:10; 2 Corinthians 5:14; Ephesians 5:25; Exodus 15:2; Psalm 18:32; Psalm 19:14 – Shalom!