Building Strong Families: The Key to Healing and Growth Through Faith

Every family is unique, each one with its own story, challenges, and beauty. But no matter how different they may look, every family holds immeasurable value in the eyes of God. From the very beginning, God designed marriage as part of His divine plan—a foundation for family. In Genesis 2:24, it says, “This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one” (NLT). Family isn’t just a concept—it’s God’s blueprint for connection, growth, and love.

Families role in child development

Families play a central role in the development of a child. Many studies point out that any trauma experienced by parents could negatively affect their ability to raise children and simultaneously increase the risk of passing trauma onto their children (Reese, et al., 2022). These are shocking findings, but they reflect the reality we live in. Additionally, these are the natural consequences that occur across generations. There is a study called Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) conducted by the CDC over 20 years ago. This study found the impact of adverse childhood experiences, which can affect a person for the rest of their life. Adverse experiences include, but are not limited to: any form of abuse, divorce, domestic violence, mental health issues, and a family member dying by suicide. What the study found was that if someone experienced more than four of these things, they were more likely to have problems with the law, financial instability, intimate relationships, or health issues. The most surprising finding was that people with more adverse experiences were more likely to die at a younger age.

There is hope in Jesus

I have seen it time and time again. Those who trust in Jesus are not burdened by the past and can heal more fully. As believers and families, we need to take a self-evaluation and ask the Lord to show us where we need to improve as a family. We could start by reviewing two aspects of the family. There are other aspects, of course, but these are key.

Marriage

To have healthy families, there must be healthy marriages. How is your relationship with your spouse? How good is your communication? How secure do you feel with each other?

The parent-child relationship

This is the most important relationship for a person in their growing years. Does your child trust you? If you are a child, how is your relationship with your parents? Parents, are your expectations clear for your children?

Family is Key

The family is key to the development of the human being. What happens at home affects each person, the community, and the entire world… yes, the world. Christian families are the light and salt of the earth. As Jesus says in the Sermon on the Mount, "You are the salt of the earth… you are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:13-14). Let’s do it if we can!