We Are Fam-i-ly

We are in the middle of a series about family at REALife called "Picture Perfect". We're discussing from a Biblical perspective what family is, how to relate to each other, how to handle conflict within family dynamics and more.

No family is perfect. I shared last weekend how when I was younger family dinner for me consisted of  grabbing our plates and plopping down in from of the television to watch The Simpsons. I know that all of our families have our good moments, but I am sure that the good memories for all of us are littered with the unfortunate memories of fights, bikering, frustration, and misunderstandings. Family is messy sometimes, and there really is no getting around it. Put three to five (or more) people in a single house and before too long they will get on each other's nerves.

I am challenging our students in this series to take their faith and apply it close to home. Families are told in the Bible to apply their faith to their family life. To sum up the first few verses of Ephesians chapter six, children are to obey their parents while parents are to love their children and not be overly hard on them. In this way the whole family unit is challenged to show the love of Jesus to each other. So much or our ministry focusses on how we relate to the culture around us, which is great. We need that teaching and guidance. But here are some points and questions that I want to encourage you to discuss with your son or daughter during the coarse of this series. I hope and pray that these lessons your son or daughter hear will help bring peace and unity to your family.

(1) God created family. He founded it and designed it. What are the positives that can come from a family functioning in a Biblical way (Ephesians 6:1-4; Deuteronomy 6:1-8)?

(2) God has put us in our family for a reason. What is your role in your family? Parents, are you asking your children about their faith and encouraging them to pursue God in their lives? Children, are you respecting your parents and treating your siblings with love and encouragement?

(3) No family is perfect. There will be conflict. How will you show love and grace to the people you live with? Are there relationships that need to be restored? How are you going to take the first steps towards unity and reconciliation in your family?