PURPOSE.

• Conventional dream >>> easily consumed by the world
• <Mt 10:37-38> tells us that “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.
• Follow God.
• Help one another from being caught up with the world, sin, devil’s lies.
• Make each other better persons in Christ.
• Draw non-believing family members to the gospel through our relationship.
• “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” <Jos 24:15>

PRIORITY.

• Is God the central figure in our family?
• Church-centred; mission-focused.

PRINCIPLES.

• Build our family on biblical principles, and not our ideals.
• <Col 3> 18 Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

PRACTICE.

* Build a blessed family culture. 

1) Listen to God the Master, instead of self.

2) Learn to use Christ’s blood to cover and forgive.

• “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. <Col 3:13>
• “We love because he first loved us.” <1 John 4:19> 
• <1 Corinthians 13:4-8> 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

3) Blessed communication.

• Right reasons, wrong expression.
• Too ‘presumptuous’.
• Be more deliberate not to speak by flesh but by the Spirit.
• Words that build up instead of tear down.
• Create atmosphere for communication.
• Bring God naturally into conversations.

PERSEVERE.

• Do not be disheartened, even if there are still imperfections.

Reflection

1. How is your family culture like? Can you see God’s presence easily and talk naturally about Him? Is God the central figure in your family?
2. What practical aspects of the family living and relationship can YOU improve? (e.g., in terms of the way you lead, communicate, help, or pray for the family, etc.)