Kingdom of Heaven: Imagining Wholeness in Families

Hello, Church Family!
Imagine a world where husbands love their wives and wives love and respect their husbands. A
world where children love and honor their parents, and their parents love to discipline and
encourage their children according to God’s will. One of the Ten Commandments teaches us to “honor our parents, so that we may have a great life on earth (Exodus 20:12).” This is the first commandment with a promise. To live in peace for generations in the promised land, the Israelites must respect authority and build strong families. But what does it mean to “honor” parents? Part of this means “honoring” them and speaking to them with courtesy. It also means acting in a way that shows them respect (and not obeying them means disobeying God). In the New Testament, Paul teaches the same principles that describe how families should live in the world. Paul describes three relationships: (1) husbands and wives, (2) parents and children,
and (3) masters and servants. In each case there is a mutual responsibility to submit and love, to
obey and encourage, to work hard, and to be fair. Examine the relationship that exists in your
family and at work. Does your family live according to the Word of God?

Many blessings!
Rev. Jesus Samano