THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY

“But as for me and MY HOUSE, we will serve the Lord” – Joshua 24:15b

It is crucial and beneficial to understand the IMPORTANCE of FAMILY: “But as for me and MY HOUSE, we will serve the Lord” (Jos.4:15b). Joshua’s audacity was rooted in Family as a pillar of strength on which stands the values of love, respect, faith, hope, caring, cultures, and ethics. Just like Marriage, Family is God’s Idea, not that of man. When we were born, we became a part of someone else’s family; and when we become parents, we will create a Family of our own. God’s intent for Family is to be a place of guidance, nurture, provision, protection, forgiveness, and love. In this fallen world however, many do not grow up in conventional families. But, there’s a wealth of wisdom and counsel in God’s Word to help us fully appropriate the Worth of Family.

Family exists in varied forms such as: Father, mother and children; single parents and children; couples without children; children without parents; and extended families of aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, nephews, and nieces. In Western societies, single-parent families hold substantial proportions of total households. Yet, more single parents tend to live in poverty compared to two-parent family homes. Growing up in destitution can present academic obstacles, reduced access to safe communities and quality enrichment activities, and cause heightened risks of physical, behavioural, and emotional issues. There are several reasons why Family is important. Irrespective of the composition or form, here are some powerful points that underline the Significance of Family:

Family provides Bonding: Familial bonds are important to help us get through rough and tough times, as well as the best times. Our Family might not be able to shield us from everything, but they will be able to assist us through hard and harsh times and give us the tools we need to diffuse or avoid the negative situations.

Family provides Stability: Family offers stability, support, and security coupled with unconditional love; they will always look to see and bring out the best in us even if we cannot see the potential for ourselves. Having a strong family support system can help make life a little bit easier and less stressful.

Family provides a Sense of Belonging. We all need a place to call Home. Family will provide us with a Home if we do not have one and will point us in the right direction so that we can get back on our feet. Family will, for the most part, be the only ones who can really understand us and bring us back to the place of peace. 

Family provides a Sense of Guidance. We all need someone to show us the way in life, and our families are usually the best people for the job. Family is also very crucial to guide us down the path of morality when it comes to outside influences such as the lure of alcohol, the pull of peer pressure, dealing with drugs, bullying, or someone saying negative things to or about us. True Family will tell us what we do not want to hear, but they do it out of love to help us stand and grow.

Family provides a Sense of Safety: “In the multitude of counsellors, there is safety” (Pro.11:14). When we are surrounded by people who care about us, we are much less likely to be in danger. When family comes together, they give hope to those that they love dearly and give them a fighting chance in life.

Family provides a Sense of Continuity. When something important happens in our lives, we want to make sure that the people we love are there to share in the experience. Family can teach us to know our family history, which can shape our persona into something positive and give us a sense of direction. According to Marcus Garvey, “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots.”

Beloved, let’s Thank God for the precious Gift of Family as we receive Grace to nurture our Families according to His Will!