“God blessed [Adam and Eve] and said to them,
‘Be fruitful and increase in number.’” Genesis 1:28
In the first chapter of Genesis, God began the idea of family. It says: “God blessed [Adam and Eve] and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it’” (Genesis 1:28). God was telling Adam and Eve to have children and to begin the very first family. God’s plan for a family was to have one man and one woman get married and raise children. That means the idea of the family is God’s.
In the Bible we learn that God gives directions for each person in the family. First, God tells fathers that they are to be the heads of the households. They are to raise their families to love the Lord, and to live disciplined lives. Next, God says that wives are to love their husbands and their children. They are also to help raise the family and to care for their needs. And third, God gave special commands to children. He tells children they are to love and respect their parents. Even if they disagree with their parents’ wishes, they must learn to obey them. God tells us that everyone in the family must work together and love each other, and that he wants to be included in every family. He also promises to bless those who want Jesus to be a part of their families.
Did you know we are also members of a second family? As children of God we are members of God’s family. Jesus once said: “Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother” (Matthew 12:50). God is our Father in heaven, and Jesus is our brother. That means that everyone who believes in Jesus as their Savior is also our brother and sister.
We should thank God for the blessing of family. Even though some families may be missing someone or some members may have been adopted, we should always remember that God established the family, and we should honor God’s plan for husbands, wives, and children to live in love and harmony. Someday you will make the decision to begin your own family. Will you look for a husband or wife who shares your plans to have a godly family? Will you want to have Jesus as a member of your family? Remember a home where God is the head will always be blessed.
Happy the home where Jesus’ name
Is sweet to every ear;
Where children early speak His fame,
And parents hold Him dear.
From Living for Jesus by Reynold R. Kremer