hints for a happy family

Last week on the today show they had a guest who shared 6 tips for a happy family. I tried really hard not to be skeptical before I heard all their reasons, but it was kinda hard! As I was listening to them name and describe each one my mind went straight past what their reasons were and went straight to what God's Word says about them. I decided to look up scripture to back up each reason in a spiritual way instead of a worldly way. It ended up being really cool for me to do so I wanted to share it with all of you.

1) Know who you are

them: have a moral code that you not only believe but that your family agrees with and shares together.


bible:
1 Thess 5:16-18 Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him


2) Lean on each other

them: you need a core group of friends to give you understanding and support

bible:
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, but in all ways acknowledge Him and he will make your paths straight.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.


3) Learn to bounce back

them: Life isn't easy. You need to learn to be resilient and count your blessings.

bible:
Romans 8:28 We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Philippians 1:6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.


4) Breathe

them: We all need laid back time. Stop over scheduling your life.

Bible:
Exodus 20:8 Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.

Psalm 62:1 My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.


5: Be respectful and grateful

them: Respect others and be grateful for what you have.

Bible:
Colossians 3:12-14 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity


6) Priorities

them: Make sure your priorities are straight and don't value certain things more than you should.

Bible:
Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.



At the end of the segment they shared the statement "families with spirituality seem to connect better." I don't know the relationship any of these people have with Our Father but they hit the nail on the head with that one! Isn't it odd how close the world can get to God but still don't want to touch Him? I pray others see Christ's influence in these rules and put their trust in Him!

**I would love to know what verses came to your mind when you read these 'rules'.