What Is Gods Purpose For Relationships
In Genesis 1:26-28 and Genesis 2:24 we get our first glimpse into Gods purpose for mankind and His purpose for relationships. God established men and women to come together in marriage and He intended for us to be in His image and likeness, to have dominion on the earth, and to be fruitful and multiply.
Inspiration For Family Leaders
God calls his followers to faithful service, and Joshua defined what that meant so no one would be mistaken. To serve God sincerely means to worship him wholeheartedly, with undivided devotion. Joshua promised the people he would lead by example He would serve the Lord faithfully, and lead his family to do the same. The following verses offer inspiration to all leaders of families:
“But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house your children will be like olive shoots around your table. Yes, this will be the blessing for the man who fears the Lord.
Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, and everyone in his household believed in the Lord. Many others in Corinth also heard Paul, became believers, and were baptized.
So an elder must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money. He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?
B Take Itbefore The Church Then Withdraw
Matthew 18:16,17 – We would hope that the mediation of one ortwo other Christians would solve the problem, but if it does not,then the Bible says to take the matter before the congregation.Perhaps the involvement of the whole church will bring the guiltyparty to his senses.
If even this does not solve the problem, then the one who isclearly in sin must be withdrawn from.
This is not to say we should run to the church with everypersonal problem. But if sin is clearly involvedand private efforts do not lead to repentance, God gives apattern for proceeding. In far too many cases, sin continues inour homes because we are too proud or too foolish to pursue theScriptural course for seeking help.
Read Also: What Bible Verse Helps With Stress
Pressure Coupled With Passivity Leads To Problems
One of the greatest problems in American marriages is the passive male. By passive, I mean not assuming responsibility for the spiritual direction of the marriage and family. The man dumps it on his wife, buries himself in his job, and tells himself that he is being responsible by providing financially.
But its not just an American phenomenon. It was a problem 4,000 years ago. In chapter 15, we find Abram listening to the word of the Lord but in chapter 16, he listens to the voice of Sarai . Abram passively goes along with Sarais suggestion, and then, when problems result, he tells her to do whatever she thinks is right . But he didnt deal with it himself. He allowed Sarai to mistreat Hagar, who was now also his wife, when he should have protected her.
Im not implying that its always wrong to listen to your wife. Often that is the smartest thing a husband can do! God has given us our wives to give us wisdom and insight which we often lack. The problem isnt listening to your wife the problem is abdicating spiritual leadership if your wife suggests something that isnt from the Lord.
God is strangely absent from verses 1-6. He is given the credit for preventing Sarai from conceiving, and His name is invoked to justify her point of view . But He is never sought. Abram didnt bother to ask the Lord whether this crucial decision, which would affect the rest of his life and the rest of human history, was Gods will.
D Loverequires Giving & Self
Giving of self is the essence of love.
John 3:16 – God so loved the world that He gave Hisonly-begotten Son.
Ephesians 5:25 – Jesus loved the church and gave Himselffor it.
1 John 3:14-18 – If you see your brother in need and don’t givewhat is needed, you don’t have love.
Romans 12:20 – Loving you enemy requires giving foodand drink when needed.
A basic requirement in solving family disagreements is awillingness to give of ourselves for the good of others.
Typically each spouse refuses to change because he/she isupset at something the other person did. If we would view thesituation honestly and objectively , we would admit we should do differently. But we refuseto change because of some habit or characteristic we dislike inour spouse.
The fundamental lesson of Christ’s love is that weshould give up our own desires for the good of others even whenthey are not acting the way we think they should. Don’tsay, “I’ll change if he/she will too.” If an act isgood for others, do it regardless of what they aredoing. If we have been wrong, admit it regardlessof whether or not they have admitted their errors.
A spouse will often criticize: “It’s his/her fault, solet him/her solve it.” Even if that is true, is it helpful?Instead think, “What can I offer to do – how can I becomeinvolved – so as to help resolve this problem?” Instead ofsaying, “Why don’t you do this?” say, “Why don’tyou and I work on this together?”
Also Check: Does The Bible Say Mary Magdalene Was A Prostitute
Ii Pray For God’s Strength
Philippians 4:6,7 – Don’t be anxious, but by prayer andsupplication make your requests known to God. Christians shoulddo this for all our problems, but specifically for our marriageproblems. If we have proper faith in God’s power,then we will pray diligently about our marriage problems.
1 John 5:14 – Be confident that, if we ask according to Hiswill, He hears us.
When we have marriage problems, especially serious ones, weneed to believe that God will answer prayer. If both the husbandand wife are faithful Christians then they should spend much timetogether and individually praying for God’s help with theirproblems.
Remember, however, that God answers according to His will. Ifyour companion is not a Christian or is not faithful, then Godwill not force them to do right. He may, however,give them an opportunity to learn His will for their lives.
When your family faces serious problems, how much do you prayto God together and trust His power to answer your prayers?
Vii Express Appreciation & Praise For What Is Good
Philippians 4:6,7 – Let your requests be made known to Godwith thanksgiving. Even when we are concerned aboutour problems, we must remember to be thankful for our blessings.
Often in times of strife, we get so upset with our companion,that we fail to express appreciation for the good qualities theyhave. This tends to blow the problems out of proportion.
Don’t Miss: What Does Sanctification Mean In The Bible
Bible Verses About Missing Someone
- The Lord watch between you and me, when we are out of one anothers sight. Genesis 31:49
- God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1
- The Lord is near to those who are discouraged he saves those who have lost all hope. Good people suffer many troubles, but the Lord saves them from them all. Psalm 34:18-19
- So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. John 16:22
Bible Verses On The Importance Of Family
Proverbs 22:6 –Train up a child in the way he should go even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Genesis 2:24 – Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
Psalm 128:3 – Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house your children will be like olive shoots around your table.
Joshua 24:15 – And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
1 Timothy 3:4 – He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive,
Ephesians 3:14-15 – For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
Psalm 127:3-5 – Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
1 Peter 3:1 – Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives,
Ephesians 6:4 – Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
You May Like: What Bible Verse Helps With Stress
Family Strength Quotes And Short Bible Verses About Family
- She is clothed with strength and dignity she can laugh at the days to come. Proverbs 31:25
- I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
- Honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 19:19
- Childrens children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children. Proverbs 17:6
- My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad indeed. Proverbs 23:15
- Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate. Mark 10:9
Stick To Your Boundaries
Once youve set your boundaries and told your friends and family members where they are this is the hard part. You have to stick to the boundaries youve set!
I know, learning how to deal with toxic family members Biblically isnt easy It takes time and practice, and you wont get it all right the first time, but stick with it.
Because if youre continually bending the rules, your family will just learn that your rules arent really rules at all.
Seek Godly counsel, determine where your boundaries should be, and then stick to them!
Don’t Miss: How Many Times Bible Says Fear Not
How Do I Know If My Family Is Toxic
The following signs suggest that you may have experienced a toxic family environment growing up.You were expected to meet unrealistic standards. Family members take on different roles from time to time in order to help each other out. You were harshly criticized. Your needs werent met.Oct 25, 2019
What The Bible Says About Family
Is there really any scriptural basis for “focusing on the family”? “Family first” has always been my motto. I spend every weekend with my wife and kids, and I’m committed to putting their needs ahead of my own. But at times I find it hard to reconcile these personal values with the Gospel message. Jesus actually tells me to hate my family. His words seem to say that the church trumps the family system. I’m confused.
Jesus did not say that the church trumps the family system. As a matter of fact, we think such an interpretation of His words can be dangerously misapplied. A great deal of damage has been inflicted on spouses and children through over-commitment to church programs and activities.
What Jesus did say is that our love for Him should be so great and so overpowering that it eclipses all other loves. Even the strongest and most compelling of our natural human loves ought to look like hate when compared with our love for Christ. In other words, the depth of our commitment to Him is revealed precisely in our willingness to forsake even the very best things in life if called upon to do so for His sake.
More could be said, but perhaps this isnt the place for it. If youd like to discuss this subject at greater length, please dont hesitate to contact us. Focus on the Family has a staff of pastoral counselors who would love to speak with you over the phone.
Newest Release – Episode 5: Its Going to be Amazing!
Read Also: 365 Fear Not Bible Verses List
Bible Verse About Death Of A Family Member
- For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted. Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
- As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you and you will be comforted over Jerusalem. Isaiah 66:13
- You, LORD, hear the desire of the afflicted you encourage them, and you listen to their cry. Psalm 10:17
- He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3
Bible Verses About Family Love
A bible verse about family is always a great reminder about how you feel toward the most important people in your life. These family bible verses vary in length, so theyre great for sending in a loving text or including on the first page of a personalized notebook.
- Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. Ephesians 5:25
- Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
- Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil hold fast to what is good. Romans 12:9
- We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19
- So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13
You May Like: What The Bible Says About Loneliness
What Is A Good Family Prayer
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father we thank you for your everlasting love. We pray that you would help us to be kind to one another, showing each other mercy, forgiveness and understanding. Help us to share the love youve so generously shared with us. As a family may we treat each other with compassion.
Signs Of A Toxic Relationship
You may be wondering,Am I in a toxic relationship with my family? Or, Is my sister a toxic person?
Lets turn to the Bible for an answer.
The Bible describes what love is supposed to look like in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. It says:
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Now, if we take the opposite of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, what do we see?
We see several signs of a toxic person or signs of a toxic relationship:
- Lacks patience
- Gives up easily
If your friends and family members are simply annoying, its probably best to give them grace and try to overlook their faults, if speaking with them doesnt help.
If you read these signs of a toxic relationships, however, and thought, Yep. I definitely have toxic family members, then this article on how to deal with toxic family members Biblically is definitely for you.
Don’t Miss: What Is The Chronological Order Of The Bible
B Studywhat The Bible Says About Our Problem
Psalm 1:2 – The righteous man delights in God’s law andmeditates on it day and night. If we really believe the Bible hasthe answers, then we should study what it says. This is what wewould do about any other spiritual problem. Why do otherwiseregarding family problems?
Acts 17:11 – The Bereans learned the truth by searching theScriptures day and night. We need to do the same regarding ourfamily problems.
Take Care Of Your Family Through Scripture
At the heart of it all, the Christian family is a mini church. It must resemble the Trinitarian love of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The children of God must also form the cornerstone of Godâs church. What better way to do so than to do it based on scripture?
Family Bible verses are powerful promises to use in prayer, as Jesus Christ Himself taught us.
Godâs love is without bounds, and through the instruction of the Lord found in scripture, we can feel that love and share it with a family member. He will provide us with everlasting peace that no one else but He can give.
Download the pray.com app in the or Apple iOS stores for daily Bible quotes and reflections on the family.
Don’t Miss: How Did God Write The Bible