Strong families, strong church

15 May 2011

The Bible is full of dysfunctional families, with members fighting among themselves.

The first couple, Adam and Eve blamed each other for eating the forbidden fruit. Their older son, Cain killed his younger brother, Abel. Abraham sacrificed Sarah to save his own skin while Sarah manipulated and ill-treated her stepson, Ishmael. Rebekah favoured Jacob while her husband, Isaac showed favouritism toward Esau.

The home is meant to be a haven where we can rest our weary souls and heal our wounded spirits. It is the place where we let our guards down, a place where we can be ourselves. From the time of our birth, we are introduced to the first humans from whom we would derive our identity and sense of worth. It is meant to be a place of refuge, a safe place.

Yet many family relationships fail to deliver their goods. Our hurts are frequently inflicted by our closest kin and loved ones. Spouses fail to live up to their marital vows, sibling rivalry is taken as norm and parents and children are often caught in a tug of war.

Yes, where there are humans, there will be sin – that is the reality.

But, where there is Christ, there is also redemption, love and transformation – that is also the truth.

And where the family members are Christians, the impact of God’s love will see a breakthrough in the family dynamics.

A church is as strong as the families in the church.