Unbroken Home

Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. 
Psalm 127:3 (NIV) 

Did you know that this one verse helps you build a healthy home?  

Fifty years ago, nearly 80% of children lived under one roof with both parents in their first marriage. In the latest study by the Pew Research Center in 2014, that number dropped to 46%. The declining share of the “traditional” family has led to family structures that often evolve through the life of a child.  

One study found that over three years, 31% of children under age 6 had experienced a major change in family structure, in the form of parental divorce, separation, marriage, cohabitation, or death. 

Today’s verse shows how highly God values children. He calls them a special inheritance and reward from Him. In other words, God cares about children, and they belong to Him. God entrusts children to us, and He will hold us accountable for the way we have stewarded those who belong to Him. 

How you relate to your own children deeply impacts the way they talk to themselves and connect with others. How you relate to a child also influences how they relate to God. If a child hears us refer to God as our “Heavenly Father,” they connect that with their earthly father. That can be hard to understand if divorce, death, separation, or other circumstances have led to a home without a traditional structure for the father. 

So how do we respond? What can you do to build a healthy home, even if you have experienced brokenness? God promises to guide you as you take care of those who belong to Him.  

He promises to walk with you through the problems and pitfalls of family life. As an example for your family, you can demonstrate that “God is love” through patient kindness instead of frustration. Your listening ear and respectful attitude and grace to forgive reveal His love. 

You may have already gone through a divorce or separation. Perhaps a partner left or passed away or you’ve lost a child. And if your home today is not traditional, know, too, that God helps you right where you are. Your past wounds shape your story, but God writes your future.  

The God who saves you from your sins can also mend the wounds of broken homes and rebuild the lives of those who call on Him in times of need.  

Prayer: God, thank You for giving us the gift of the home. I confess I’m not a perfect parent. Help me in the areas where I struggle, especially in being an example to the children You’ve put in my life. Help me to know how to love them, model Christ to them, and discipline them according to Your Word. Remind me when I feel like things are breaking down that You mend hearts and minds when we call on You for help. May I be the best parent and make the best home that I can through Your Holy Spirit working in my life each day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.