Strengthening The Family (2nd Edition)

Family life is a system of human relationships designed by God to provide for our needs. In the family, we find companionship, fulfillment, and learn love. In the family, children learn how to become a productive unit. No other arrangement has ever been devised as a successful alternative. Jesus makes it known that He is serious when He says, “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate” (Matthew19:6).

Today, the family is a major issue in the enemy’s warfare against God’s design for fulfilling human relationships. Many couples are asking themselves what is missing in their relationship with one another. Why don’t parents really feel close to their children? Why doesn’t the family have that warm, close feeling that families should have? Could anything change the situation and bring the joy back into family life?

The challenge of strengthening the family depends upon gaining knowledge about strong, healthy families. We might ask what can we learn from strong, healthy families that can be applied to our own family to strengthen it?
 
Studies have demonstrated that strong families are characterized by five qualities.

1.    The expression of appreciation.

2.    The great amount of time they spend together.

3.    The great amount of time spent in family discussion and in talking out problems.

4.    A high degree of spiritual strength.

5.    Commitment.