Family Matters – Part 1

Pastor Royston Smith

A healthy family is not one that is free from pain, sorrow, trouble or rain. Disappointments are a part of the journey called life. This type of family believes that every event has a purpose; its members have learned how to laugh more and complain less. It is a family that is resilient, finds comfort for its tears, and discovers light whilst travelling along dark paths. 

Love and commitment coexist in a healthy family. You can’t make others love you, all you can do is be someone who can be loved — the rest is not within your power. “The measure of love is to love without measure,” Francis de Sales.  Unconditional love always accompanies forgiveness. It’s better to lose your pride to the one you love, than to lose the one you love because of pride. In the book of Proverbs 29:23, King Solomon said, “A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.” 

The media has done so much damage to our view of families that it bears no resemblance to what God had in mind. It has spread the myth that families fall into one of two categories: healthy or dysfunctional.  Every family experiences peaks and troughs. Family relationships will either be energetic and growing, or stagnant and declining. But, if we invest time, effort and resources, our families will experience a rewarding and enriched relationship.  A healthy family is not only possible, but also necessary for growth and unity within the home. 

Healthy families live simply, give more and expect less in return. No family can go back and make a brand-new start. However, each family can start from now and make a brand-new ending. To do this, we must take a unified approach, get the whole family on board. For some, trying to get everyone on board might be tough but not impossible. Making small and simple changes to your family’s routine and lifestyle can have a huge impact. Be positive and committed. 

Psalm 127 highlights some key points about families, “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; For so He gives His beloved sleep. Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed but shall speak with their enemies in the gate.”

Nothing in life has the power to make so profound a change as the love of God. With his guidance and power, you can move your family from brokenness to blessedness. Only God has the power to transform a dysfunctional family to a healthy one.  The very fabric of society is rooted in the family unit so as we develop healthy family relationships the effect will be felt in the society at large. Dysfunctional relationships destroy and devour the family. It is our responsibility to take a stand, in the home, and fight to make our family relationships a healthy as God intended. 

Father God, we thank you for our families. We know they are under attack, so we submit them to you. We pray for your intervention, through the name of Jesus, amen.