The Joy of the Journey: Jesus Centered Families
Having a family-centered in Christ is a beautiful and rewarding experience that brings a sense of unity, love, and purpose to every aspect of family life. For many families, faith plays a central role in shaping their values, beliefs, and relationships. By centering their lives around Christ, families can cultivate a strong foundation of love, compassion, and understanding that binds them together through life’s challenges and triumphs.
I grew up with examples on TV of Mayberry, Leave It to Beaver, and The Brady Bunch. On the screen of my TV, I witnessed what seemed to be perfect families. Let’s face it: when the biggest crisis is a football bust, the nose of your sister by accident, and she’s got to go to the prom with a big, swollen nose, this TV family example falls desperately short of what reality is. There is no such thing as a perfect family! There is dysfunction in every family I’ve ever met, including my own. You may ask why. The answer is simple: we are human, and human beings have flaws that affect our relationships, even within the family unit.
At the heart of a Christ-centered family is the belief in Jesus Christ’s teachings and example. Families that follow Christ seek to live out His commandments of love, forgiveness, and service daily. By emulating His compassion and selflessness, family members can cultivate a spirit of kindness and love that strengthens their bonds with one another.
Prayer and worship also play a vital role in a Christ-centered family. Coming together in prayer allows family members to express their gratitude, seek guidance, and offer support to one another. By incorporating regular worship into their routines, families can deepen their spiritual connection and draw closer to God as a unit. This shared faith creates a sense of unity within the family that transcends individual differences and challenges. I remember many days when my father would get out of the BIG family Bible and read a few verses, and we would all pray. This time of family worship strengthens and creates bonds that cannot be easily broken.
Additionally, a Christ-centered family strongly emphasizesteaching and learning the principles of the gospel. Parents are responsible for instilling in their children a knowledge and understanding of Christ’s teachings, helping them develop a personal relationship with their Savior. Family scripture study, devotional time, and discussions about faith are essential practices that can strengthen the family’s spiritual foundationand foster a deeper, more meaningful connection to each other and God.
Living a Christ-centered life also means following his example of humility, forgiveness, and unconditional love. In a family-centered in Christ, forgiveness is given freely, disagreements are resolved with patience and understanding, and love is expressed unconditionally. By practicing these virtues in their interactions, family members can create a supportive and nurturing environment where each member feels valued, accepted, and loved.
In conclusion, there is no such thing as a perfect family! Having a family centered in Christ is a deeply meaningful and enriching experience that strengthens the bond between family members and brings a sense of purpose and joy to their lives. By following Christ’s teachings, practicing prayer and worship, learning and teaching the gospel, embodying virtues such as humility and forgiveness, and serving others with love and compassion, families can create a home environment that reflects the love and grace of their Savior. May all families strive to center their lives in Christ, allowing His light to guide and uphold them as they navigate life’s journey together.
Remember these words in the Bible, Psalm 133 1, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!…”
