THE BLESSED FAMILY

“Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the very heart of your house, your children like olive plants all around your table” – Psalm 128:3

Scriptures present clear insights into the Qualities of the BLESSED FAMILY: “Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the very heart of your house, your children like olive plants all around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord” (Psa.128: 3-4). Being God’s original Idea; accurate information about the Family comes from God, not from the world. Specifically, Psalm 128 reveals God’s recipe for building and enjoying a godly family and unveils the unique qualities of the Blessed Family.

Essentially, families are a source of blessing from God. He “sets the lonely in families” (Psa. 68:6). God blesses children who obey their parents (Exo. 20:12). God blesses parents with children (Psa.127:3-5). God designed families to be a source of love, support, and strength for all of humanity. Unfortunately, not all families live up to this ideal. Sometimes spouses or children disappoint one another. Other times, there may be strained relationships with parents or siblings. When families don’t meet up to expectations, it can be difficult to cope. Even in such situations, God’s Word provides encouragement.

The Blessed Family is characterized by the following:

A man and a woman duly joined together spiritually and legally; not mere live-in lovers: “Therefore a MAN shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his WIFE, and they shall become one flesh” (Gen.2:24).

A union of two Mature Adults; not two immature children. God didn’t create children first; instead, He made two adults who procreated. “For this cause shall a MAN” – not a BOY – “leave his father…” (Mk.10:7). Maturity is not just about age but about responsibility, wisdom, relational and other skills. Couples should mature spiritually and mentally before entering into marriage.

A union of two spiritual and God-loving people. Spirituality is living according to the Word and Ways of God: “Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in His ways” (v.1) Psalm 112: 1-3 says, “…who delights greatly in His commandments.” The blessed couple have high regard for God’s Word and live by it. The two are committed to living by faith in every area of life.

Each partner understands his or her role and plays it cheerfully and faithfully (Col.3: 18-21; Eph.5: 22-29; Eph.6: 1-4). The husband loves the wife, treats her like a queen and makes sure she’s comfortable, protected and fulfilled. A man who treats his wife with disrespect sabotages his prayer life (1Pet.3:7). The wife submits to the leadership of her husband, treats him with respect and adores him (1Pet.3:6). Otherwise, she is walking in rebellion, contrary to God, and may sabotage her destiny.

Unity of Purpose, Vision and Understanding – not necessarily unity of ideas: “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” (Amos 3:3). There’s no anointing where there is disunity. A couple that is always quarrelling cannot achieve righteous results or obtain worthy reward. Both partners must agree on what a prosperous family is and work towards attaining it in reality.

Fruitfulness: “Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the very heart of your house, your children like olive plants all around your table” (v.3). However, fruitfulness is not just a matter of bearing biological children; but being fruitful spiritually, including being committed to winning souls. Also, the blessed couple will raise anointed children in the Ways of the Word, not of the ways of the world. God is attracted to and blesses a family where parents instruct the children in the ways of the Lord (Gen.18: 17-19).

All-round Blessings and Wellness – Spiritual, financial and material: “When you eat the labor of your hands, you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you” (v.2). “Wealth and riches will be in his house” (Psa.112:3a).  

The Peace of God and His Goodness: “The Lord bless you out of Zion, and may you see the GOOD of Jerusalem (City of Peace) all the days of your life” (v.5).

Transgenerational Blessings: “Yes, may you see your children’s children. PEACE be upon Israel” (v.6).