Family is God’s idea and design. Therefore, we are called to be diligent about shaping positive experiences in the lives of our family so our relationships may point them to God.
We have already discovered four characteristics of a strong family: Strong Commitment, Spending Time Together, Good Communication, and Affection for one another. In order to help you practice diligence in loving your family members well, we want to give you the final two!
Strong families solve problems effectively and share about each other’s spiritual lives.
You must forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven you. And to all these qualities add love, which binds all things together in perfect unity. - Colossians 3:14
Strong families deal with conflict well. They have learned the value of using “win-win” strategies in conflict, and are able to face a crisis with strong communication and security. Family members readily offer patience and are quick to forgive.
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! -Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Strong families have a shared spiritual life where spiritual disciplines are central. The family understands the importance of the spiritual well-being of each family member. This understanding is manifested in love, compassion, accountability, and celebration.
We have covered many characteristics over the last few weeks of strong families:
Strong Commitment
Spending Time Together
Good Communication
Affection
Ability to Solve Problems
Shared Spiritual Life
Which one spoke the most to you? What is God calling you to do to help make your family strong?
Write to us and let us know!
Dare to Ask God to make your family strong in these six characteristics,
God’s passion for His people can not be extinguished. Do you embody this same passion?