What does God say about the family? This is a challenging question. Even though the family is God’s idea and was initially created by Him, the biblical references about the family aren’t easily assembled or organized. Nonetheless, by interpreting verses in the context of both testaments, here are fifteen standout biblical insights:
The initial reason for the family is to reproduce, populate the world, and rule over it.
“God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground’” Genesis 1:28.
God’s working plan for the family is to obey His Word.
“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children” Deuteronomy 6:6-7.
The family should be constructed on biblical knowledge and good sense.
“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established” Proverbs 24:3.
Families are not nuclear entities; they’re linked together in a family line.
“This is the written account of Adam’s family line …” Genesis 5:1.
Monogamous marriage, God’s union for establishing a family, is sacred.
“And the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate” Mark 10:8-9.
The health and welfare of the family require submission and love.
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord … Husbands, love your wives” Ephesians 5:21-22, 25.
Families face suffering and sorrow when they disobey God.
“The time is coming when I will put an end to your family, so it will no longer serve as my priests. All the members of your family will die before their time. None will reach old age.” 1 Samuel 2:31 (NLT).
There are transitory and enduring members of a family.
“Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever” John 8:35.
Respect, gratitude, affection, and esteem for parents should be the norm in family relationships.
“Honour your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you” Deuteronomy 5:16.
For family unity and harmony, children need to recognize their parents’ authority and obey them.
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord” Colossians 3:20.
For family well-being, parents shouldn’t aggravate or irritate their children.
“Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged” Colossians 3:21.
Children and grandchildren should care for older family members.
“But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God” 1 Timothy 5:4.
Numerous families are broken, divided or dysfunctional (most Bible families are flawed).
“From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three” Luke 12:52.
A relationship with Jesus should transcend and take precedence over a family relationship.
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life – such a person cannot be my disciple” Luke 14:26.
A commitment to Christ and truth may lead to division, not peace, in a family.
“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law – a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household” Matthew 10:34-36.
So, with the above texts in mind, nurture and safeguard your family, for whoever brings trouble or harm to their relatives will lose their inheritance (cf. Proverbs 11:29). And provide for your family, because if you don’t, you reject the faith and are worse than someone who doesn’t believe in God (cf. 1 Timothy 5:8).
What does God say about the family? Please comment below.
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Summary
This article explores fifteen biblical insights about God’s design for the family, emphasizing the family’s role in reproduction, obedience to God’s Word, and building relationships based on biblical knowledge. It underscores the sacredness of monogamous marriage, the need for submission and love in family dynamics, and the importance of respecting and honouring parents. The article also highlights the challenges families face when disobedient to God, the significance of caring for older family members, and the ultimate priority of a relationship with Jesus over family bonds.
FAQ 1. What does the Bible say about the family?
The Bible teaches that the family is God’s design for nurturing love, faith, and character. From the beginning, God established the family as the primary place where children are loved, taught His ways, and prepared to serve Him. Scripture encourages family members to honour, love, forgive, and support one another as they reflect Christ’s love.
FAQ 2. Why is family important according to the Bible?
According to the Bible, the family is foundational to God’s plan for society and spiritual growth. Parents are called to teach their children about God, model faithful living, and cultivate a Christ-centred home. Strong biblical families help pass faith from one generation to the next and provide a secure environment for discipleship and belonging.
FAQ 3. How can families follow biblical principles today?
Families can follow biblical principles by making God the center of their home through prayer, Bible reading, worship, loving relationships, forgiveness, and serving others together. Parents should intentionally disciple their children, while every family member seeks to live with humility, grace, and obedience to God’s Word. Even imperfect families can grow stronger by relying on Christ and applying biblical wisdom daily.
© Scripture Union, 2023
