FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS – love, the basis for relationships

The family is the basic unit of society; a primary part of God's creation for the purpose of procreation, training, fellowship, and love. Today, however, family relationships are being threatened through the increased tensions and problems of our complex world; the rapid pace of living, the media, social pressures, immorality, and much of the world's philosophy of love and marriage. Family relationships simply cannot do without Christ and the church, and it's only when it is responsible to God and exists for the fulfillment of His purpose in the world, that it will rise above difficulties and overcome the present threats to the home.

A strong family grows through the sharing in discussion of family attitudes, practices, and problems, and sincerely attempts to overcome tempers, jealousy, criticism, lust, and quarreling. In joys and sorrows, the family looks to God in faith, love, and hope.

There are differences between between the sexes that are important - differences that need to be recognized if we're to have a happy blending of personalities that make up a family unit. By obeying God's rules, both male and female family members can find the fulfillment, joy, and happiness from life, that God desires them to have. Love must be the underlying principle in the home and in all its family relationships. All discipline and parental authority should be exercised in love and for the purpose of building Christian character.

People experience the life-changing force of healing relationships when something powerful comes out of one and touches something good in another. The church plays a huge role in family relationships; where parents and church leaders are encouraged to meet for better Christian education.

Churches should attempt to provide study classes and discussion groups for meeting the many family relationship problems of our day, and FamilyLife, apart from radio programs, seminars and conferences, also has an excellent HomeBuilders Bible Study series which is dedicated to restoring family relationships and making your family all that God intended.