A Strong Family 3

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 and uplifting our families.

      How to Strengthen and Uplift our Families

• Godly and consistent Parents: The most powerful elements in the family are godly mothers and fathers who love the Lord and are devoted to Him. Since children are influenced more by what their parents do than what they say, your actions must always match your words – Proverb 22:6; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Joshua 1:8; Deu. 6:6-9; Psalm 119:105; Phil. 4:9.
• Good listeners and Discipline without rejection: Children want to be heard, but when parents are uninterested or too busy to listen, kids feel unimportant. Also, parents should never discipline their children in anger. First, let God settle your emotions, then explain the consequence for misbehavior, and finally, discipline in a way which doesn’t send a message of rejection to the child – Matthew 19:14-15; James 1:19-20; Proverbs 19:20; Matthew 11:15; 1 King 3:9; Hebrews 12:5-9; Luke 15:17-20. 

Questions/Activities: What things are you doing to be the spiritual champion in your family?

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; Proverb 2:1-22 – Shalom!