Healthy Family

“Healthy Family”
Colossians 3:18-21

In today’s passage, Paul talks about four rules of relationships in the family in order to have a healthy family.  But is this happening in your family?   If not, why is it not happening?   Creating a healthy family requires more than just rules.

Then, how can we bring healthy relationships in our families that God desires?   How can we create the F.A.M.I.L.Y that God desires at our home?

 I.  (F) stands for forgiveness
Jesus came into the world to restore our broken relationship with God through forgiveness (Hebrews 8:12).
If we carry around hard feelings towards our family members, the relationship will suffer.

 II.  (A) stands for acceptance and approval
Jesus was a friend of sinners accepting people right where they were.
God affirms us as His child (John 1:12).

 III.  (M) stands for maturity
Jesus may accept us from where we were, but he doesn’t want us stay there.  He expects us to grow and become mature (Hebrews 5:11-14).
At home we must learn to be responsible and accountable.

 IV.  (I) stands for intimacy
Jesus reached out to people with a loving touch.
Jesus said He was our friend (John 15:14-15).

 V.  (L) stands for loyalty (faithfulness)
Jesus did not give up on people.  He remained faithful through the very end (John 17:12).
Family relationships should be founded on commitment to one another

 VI.  (Y) stands for yield (humility)
Jesus put our needs ahead of His and died for us on the cross.
Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all" (Mark 9:35).

 VII. Application
Review the above relationship skills with your family and share which area(s) you need to work on as a family.
Discuss if there is any unresolved resentment or hard feelings and pray for one another for healing and restoration.