Families Are God’s Idea

Father to the fatherless, defender of widows—this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families.

Psalm 68:5-6

The movie Cheaper by the Dozen is a comedy about a family with 12 children. Life is always crazy for this large family, but when the father moves the family to a new town despite their protests, things go from bad to worse. In the end all turns out well, of course, and the family has a closer bond than before.

This is only one movie about families. There are many other movies, as well as television shows and books, featuring families. These fictional families are all different, just like families in real life are different. Some families have a mom and dad, while others are run by a single parent or by grandparents. Some families have many children, and others have one child. Some children join a family by birth, others through adoption or foster care.

Even though there are many different family combinations, families are God’s idea. Not only that, but he put you in the family he wanted you to be in. At times you may wonder why God chose the parents and siblings he did for you, especially when you’re in the middle of an argument with one of them or your mom interrupts your favorite show to ask you to fold clothes. God chose your family for you because he knew it was the right one for you.

Why did God put people in families? One reason is so that people would have a place where they are loved. Even if you don’t always get along, your family members love you. No relationship is perfect, and sometimes relationships take a lot of work. Home is where you learn to do that work.

God also placed people in families to learn to work together to make things function well. Each person has responsibilities, and if one person neglects his or her responsibilities, things don’t run as smoothly.

God also put people in families to serve and worship together. Your family may have a devotion time each day, or you may attend church together. You may have ways that you reach out in your community, too. If not, you might want to talk to a parent about that.

Families are God’s idea, and he placed you in a family where you can learn the things you need to know for when you are an adult. When you get frustrated with other family members, ask God to give you the love and patience you need to thrive in your home.

What makes your family unique and special? Make a list of family members, and write down two things that are special about each one. Share that list with them.