God is on the throne to help overcome challenges of the families built upon Him. Families can be described according to how lively and functioning they are. What makes one family to function may be lacking in another family and the grace that a family is enjoying may not be available for aother. A Christian family is exposed to abundance of God's grace which helps to make a happy home and unite the members. Members of the family are encouraged to reconcile differences with the fear of God, love, relate with others with respect and be patient in dealing with situations. Proverbs 24: 3 - Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established. The followings are discussed: Blended Families; Intergenerational Responsibilities, and Grandparenting.
Blended Families: These kinds of families can be threatened by some challenges. This is because experiences from different family backgrounds are passed on to the new family. The new family is likely to be threatened by conflict of interest among the biological and step children and parents. In order to reconcile the differences and build a strong and united family members must fear and serve God (Psalm 127:1). They must be committed to God's principle and allow His Spirit to blend and unite the two families to a peacefully one.
A family based on the Scripture is established upon a solid foundation for peaceful coexistence of the members. Love by the husband, respect and honour given by the wife and obedience of children make it possible to succeed as a family (Colossians 3:18-21). It takes great skill to blend families and make it similar to the traditional family. The parents should avoid favouring certain children over the others. They must not create difference in dealing with the biological and non biological children. The children also should see the new parent as the one who loves and cares for them. In order to blend two families successfully members of the new family must show love and be patient with one another (Ephesians 4:2).
Intergenerational Responsibilities: Elderly members of a family are saddled with responsibilities of caring for their parents while they have children to take care of. Such members are in the phase of life described as 'sandwich years'. Christians are taught to care for their parents. Christians fulfil God's command when they care for the elderly parents (Mark 2:9-11). The Bible makes it known that it can't be possible to honour God if the elderly parents are neglected, meeting the needs of elderly parents is an act of worship.
Apart from the parents Christians should care for elderly relatives and those in need who may be widows and orphans around them. The Church must also embrace the act of giving to the needy if they are capable to do so.
Grandchildren and the children are expected to care for the needy parents (1 Timothy 5:4-8 ). People who refuse to care for the family have denied faith and are worse than the infidel. Children and grandchildren who can not provide for the needy parents are selfish and not matured spiritually.
Grandchildren and the children are expected to care for the needy parents (1 Timothy 5:4-8 ). People who refuse to care for the family have denied faith and are worse than the infidel. Children and grandchildren who can not provide for the needy parents are selfish and not matured spiritually.
Grandparenting: Grandparents are duty-bound to provide for financial, moral and spiritual needs of their grandchildren. They must pass down wealth and property to their grandchildren if they are blessed to do so (Proverbs 13:22). Also, the grandchildren must be assured that they are loved, wanted and important esp if their parents are not available or alive to take care of them. In such a situation the Church and individuals can support the grandparents, thus relieving them of the burden.
Parents and grandparents must be involved in the spiritual investment in the children. Apostle Paul admonished parents to emulate good examples of Timothy's mother and grandmother. Both invested in the spiritual life of Timothy. The grandmother taught and encouraged him to live out the principles of the Bible (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14,15). God passes on His love and mercy to generations of families that love Him ( Psalm 103:17&18). Love God and honour Him in your family, He will help to overcome challenges and build a happy family. Lesson texts: Psalm 103:17,18; 127:1; Proverbs 13:22; Mark 7:9-13; Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:18-21; 1 Timothy 5:4-8; 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14&15.
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