What Is a Christian Family?

A Christian family is more than shared bloodlines—it’s a home built on faith, love, and obedience to God’s Word. At its core, a Christian family keeps Christ at the center, creating a foundation for lasting unity and purpose. But what does this look like in practice, and how can families intentionally grow in their faith together?

Foundation of a Christian Family

1. Christ-Centered Living

In a Christian family, everything revolves around their relationship with Jesus. Daily prayer, studying scripture, and worshiping together anchor their faith. As Joshua 24:15 declares, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” A life rooted in faith naturally strengthens the bonds within the family.

Christ-centered living doesn’t just mean attending church or saying grace before meals—it’s about weaving faith into the fabric of everyday life. This can involve discussing God’s Word in casual conversations, encouraging family members to pray for one another, and seeking God’s guidance in decision-making. Keeping Christ at the center ensures that the family’s purpose and direction remain aligned with His will.

2. Love and Forgiveness

Christian families reflect the unconditional love of Christ by practicing grace and forgiveness. Colossians 3:13 teaches, “Forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” Forgiveness is not always easy, but it’s essential for maintaining healthy relationships within the home.

When mistakes or misunderstandings occur, families can demonstrate God’s love by extending compassion and seeking reconciliation. This not only strengthens the family bond but also serves as a powerful example of Christ’s love to the world. Forgiveness doesn’t erase the pain, but it allows healing and growth to take place, transforming relationships into reflections of God’s grace.

3. Faith Passed Down Generations

Parents in a Christian family are called to pass their faith to the next generation. Deuteronomy 6:7 reminds us to teach God’s Word daily: “Talk about [His commandments] when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” This commandment highlights the importance of incorporating faith into every aspect of daily life.

Passing down faith involves more than teaching Bible stories or bringing children to Sunday school. It’s about modeling what it means to live a Christ-centered life. Parents should demonstrate humility, patience, and love, showing their children how to navigate challenges with God’s guidance. By doing this, parents lay a foundation for their children’s spiritual growth, equipping them to face life’s trials with faith and confidence.

Characteristics of a Christian Family

A Christian family stands out in the way its members interact and care for one another. Here are some defining characteristics that set Christian families apart:

  • Strong Marital Bond: The relationship between husband and wife is the cornerstone of a Christian family. This bond reflects the union between Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:25-28). A strong, God-centered marriage provides a stable foundation for children and sets an example of love and respect.
  • Intentional Parenting: Christian parents actively guide their children spiritually, helping them build their own relationship with God. This involves teaching, nurturing, and modeling Christ-like behavior. Intentional parenting goes beyond discipline—it’s about creating an environment where faith can flourish.
  • Service to Others: Christian families extend their love outward, serving their communities and spreading Christ’s message through acts of kindness and generosity. Whether it’s volunteering, donating, or simply helping a neighbor in need, these acts reinforce the family’s commitment to living out their faith.

A Christian family is a daily commitment to love, serve, and grow together in Christ. It’s not about perfection but about progress—striving to reflect God’s love in every interaction. As you nurture your family’s faith, you create a legacy that will impact future generations.

 

Download the Playbook for Level 5 Friendship today and take your family’s faith journey to the next level.

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7 Key Verses in the Bible About Wisdom

The Bible is the story of God creating humanity in His image, giving them free will, and then bringing them closer to Him with His perfect way and the sacrifice of His Son. It is the greatest concentration of wisdom in the Bible, a collection inspired by God Himself over generations. So, of course, it also makes profound statements about the nature of wisdom.

4 Key Illustrations of Wisdom in the Bible

1. Reverence for God is the foundation of wisdom

In the Bible, wisdom begins with a serious focus on your relationship with God. As Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Fear does not mean dread, but respect, awe, reverence and submission to God. If you understand this and base everything around God, you have set the foundation for living a life of wisdom.

2. Wisdom is a divine gift

Some people want fame, some want riches, some want power and strength, but too few people seek wisdom. It’s a gift given by God to those who seek it. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5). God granted wisdom to Solomon and he became a spiritual leader. Peace and prosperity followed. But it is something that must be continually sought. Later in life, King Solomon’s many marriages introduced pagan worship, his oppression of his people seeded unrest and his disobedience to God brought His judgment. The lesson? Seek wisdom…always

3. Humility is necessary for wisdom

The Old Testament tells us that “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2). That really comes to life in the New Testament, when God’s son, Jesus, lowers Himself to become human, then lives a life of humility. His disciples must also give up their way of life to follow him. But the reward is friendship with Jesus and His teaching. During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches the importance of meekness, mercy and purity of heart—virtues that reflect a humble reliance on God, rather than a prideful self-sufficiency.

4. Wisdom is a daily practice

The Bible also provides practical examples of how wisdom should influence daily choices. Proverbs is full of advice about relationships, work ethic and more. There is a proverb for everything in life, thousands of years after they were first written. For example, Proverbs 15:1 states, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” There’s even timeless wisdom about finances, such as Proverbs 13:11: “Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow,” which highlights the importance of ethically and patiently building wealth over time.

The Bible’s wisdom is far more than intellectual or philosophical understanding—it is deeply spiritual, practical and transformative. It’s God challenging us to continually seek and apply His wisdom, ensuring our lives are aligned with His divine will. Through scripture and prayer, we can grow in wisdom and glorify God through our decisions and actions.

 

Want to learn how to receive wisdom from God on a daily basis? Check out Receive: The Way of Jesus for Men now. 

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