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Chapter Three
God has set each one of us in our respective families. His purpose in placing us in our families is that we may each be a blessing to the families we belong to. If you are the first in your family to be a follower of Christ, you may face some pressure of the tension of relating to family members who may not accept your becoming a Christian or who do not understand your involvement in Christian activities.
You must learn to interpret their responses wisely. It is better to see parents’ and siblings’ negative responses as coming from concern for you. They may not yet understand the love of God. Your way of life will demonstrate the reality of God’s love to them.
Let us explore how you can relate as a Christian to your family.
Family Relationships
Parents:
What should be the attitude of children towards parents? (Ephesians 6:1)
How else should children treat their parents? (Ephesians 6:2)
From Ephesians 6:2, why is this commandment so important?
What are some ways you can honour them?
In the unlikely event that parents reject you, who can you turn to? (Psalm 27:10)
What warning did Moses give to Israelite children regarding their parents? (Exodus 21:17)
What is a practical way of caring for parents? (1 Timothy 5:8)
Do you think the Chinese practice of filial piety has commonalities with the Bible?
What are the differences?
Siblings — How do the following verses help relationships with siblings?
Psalm 133:1
1 Peter 3:8-9
Family Elders:
Uncles and Aunts are the siblings of our parents. Along with our parents, they can be considered our elders. How should they be treated? (1 Timothy 5:1-2; 1 Peter 5:5)
How were Israelite young people to conduct themselves towards elders? (Leviticus 19:32)
Like the demonized man who was healed by Jesus, what should your responsibility be to your immediate and extended family? (Mark 5:18-20)
What is more powerful than words in witnessing to loved ones who know us inside out?
Practically speaking, what does it mean to be the salt of your family? (Matthew 5:13)
How can you be a light in your family? (Matthew 5:14-16)
Pray regularly for your family. God will intervene in response to your trust in Him.
Application
What is God speaking to you about your relationship with your parents, siblings and extended family? Write down what God is laying on your heart for them. Pray over this list.
Write your reflections and prayer list for your family.