A family is the basic structural and functional unit of society; it is a natural social system with prescribed rules and roles assigned. The family has prescribed ways of communication and problem solving. In this system, individuals are tied together by powerful, durable, reciprocal, emotional attachment and loyalty.

There are some key principles that have proven beneficial in creating strong, resilient families:

1. Appreciation: This includes identifying the positives about family members and emphasizing them.

2. Time Together:

A family is like a garden which needs time to do things together, to talk and to attend to important family matters.

3. Family Spirituality: The popular cliché states “The family that prays together, stays together.”

Ellen G. White in the book “My Life Today” page 29 states “Family worship should never be neglected, and our homes should be a little church on earth.”

4. Effective Communication & Conflict Resolution:

Family members should let each other know about their thoughts and feelings. This is important to maintain a good relationship.

5. Intimacy: Loving, caring for one another and trusting one another is necessary for the family relationship. Husbands and wives must be best friends.

6. Financial Stability: We must never love money more than God and we must never love money more than people. But we need money. Read 1 Timothy 6:10 & Ecclesiastes 10:19. God’s intention is that we should return a faithful tithe and offering (Leviticus 27:30). Invest wisely and save for a rainy day.

7. Family Commitment: What is your priority in life? Where does family feature when compared with work, church and God? We all know God should be first; family should come next.

We all want to be a part of a loving, functional, resilient family. The best family to be a part of is God’s family.