How Can the Bible Help Strengthen My Family

The very first people on earth formed a family. From the beginning, God blessed and encouraged families, commanding Adam and Eve to “be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth” (Genesis 1:28). The example of Adam and Eve shows us that families are of God.

A few well-known examples of families in the Bible are found early in the Old Testament. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob all followed God’s command to marry and have children. Abraham went to great lengths to protect his wife, Sarah (see Genesis 12), and exercised faith to finally enjoy the blessings that came with having his son Isaac (see Genesis 21). Under the Lord’s direction, Abraham’s servant traveled a long distance to find Rebekah, a righteous woman, to be Isaac’s wife (see Genesis 24). And Isaac’s son Jacob worked for many years in order to marry and establish his own family, which became the house of Israel (see Genesis 29–30).

Jesus Christ taught that marriage is holy and essential to God’s plan: “But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Mark 10:6–9).

Jesus cared for His family. Throughout the New Testament, we learn how Jesus Christ showed love for His family members, especially His mother, Mary. Even while in agony on the cross, Jesus Christ showed concern for His mother’s care: “When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home” (John 19:26–27).

One of the Ten Commandments given to Moses in the Old Testament speaks directly about the relationship between parents and children: “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee” (Exodus 20:12).

The book of Proverbs also contains various teachings that pertain specifically to family: “A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke … A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just” (Proverbs 13:1, 22). “A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent […] A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother” (Proverbs 15:5, 20).

The Apostle Paul spoke often about family relationships. He counseled, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:1–4).

God promises blessings for your children when they know and obey gospel truths: “If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore” (Psalm 132:12).

Read the Bible together as a family to find greater insight on family and life. The Bible teaches, “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house” (Deuteronomy 6:6–7).

Jesus Christ taught that serving others is the same as serving Him: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40). Serving your family members can help you become more like Jesus Christ and increase the love in your home.