God IS family. He is an engaged Father. His love is lavished on His Son and His other children. And Lady Wisdom guides the whole process from the creation of the earth until the opening of eternity.
An affectionate family does not come naturally for many. And there are many ways of displaying affection among family members. How a mom and dad accomplish this with one another is probably the most powerful tool for teaching deep affection in a home. This is why partnership and forgiveness are so key. If we allow roots of bitterness into our home they will suck life from our growing family.
We are also up to our necks in a battle with our distracted culture. Not only are experts suspect, we no longer need to succeed at something to make it legitimate – or to produce needed change. The single greatest tool against distraction is affection and connection. Any experienced parent will tell you that the challenges of the teen years are inevitable. The foundation we lay in the growing up years equips our kids to succeed – and to connect with others in healthy ways.
Every time a parent has invested time in teaching and explaining respect between siblings and family members is time which has been invested in true success – and in the Kingdom of Heaven. It is what spiritual men and women do. Security multiplies into freedom which opens opportunity.
“Don’t grieve God. Don’t break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don’t take such a gift for granted. Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:30-32/Message