Christian family

6 Characteristics of a Strong and Healthy Christian Family

A Christian family is a basic unit in society or group of individuals who are serving and worshipping the Lord together — they know that they are nothing without God and they believed that the Lord is their Creator, Savior, Healer, Comforter, Provider and everything in their lives. As a Christian family, we are created to be the salt and light of this world. And, we should display these characteristics to fulfill the role that God has given us.

Here are some qualities that God wants us to be according to His Will and Word.

  • A Christian Family starts with a marriage.

“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” – Genesis 2:24

As a Christian, we all know that marriage is the beginning of building a family. It is a sacred union between a man and a woman — it is also the foundation of a family or a society. A Christian family is composed of a man, a husband who is the head of the family and has the responsibility to provide for his family’s financial, emotional and spiritual needs; a wife who submits and respects her husband; and children who has the role to obey their parents. “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.” – Ephesians 6:1

  • They feed their mind and soul with God’s Word.

“Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”  – Matthew 4:4

According to this Bible passage, we cannot live by bread alone, so we need to feed our mind and soul with the Word of God — it is our light and guide in every aspect of our lives. Reading and meditating the Word of God should be part of your daily activities. Make time to have a quiet moment with God and encourage your spouse and children to read with you. “For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.” – Psalm 107:9

  • They know that prayer is the most powerful weapon of a Believer.

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” – Mark 11:24

Prayer is the most powerful weapon of a believer — it is our armor against evil and every trial. Seek God’s face and tell Him what you need, say what you feel, worship and thank Him in your prayers. Kneel down in prayer with your family at least once in a while and honor God with all your heart. “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” – 2 Corinthians 10:

  • They promote healthy eating habits at home.

“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” – Acts 2:46

A healthy and strong family promotes healthy eating habits in their home and they know the importance of sharing a meal together. Strengthen your ties and build a connection with your family and have a family meal time together. Get your children involved in meal planning and preparation — shop and cook together. Choose a hearty and healthy recipe for your family and be a role model to your children. Eat more fruits, greens, vegetables and promote eating healthier foods at home such as salad, fresh squeezed juice or smoothies. “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” – Psalm 34:8

  • They take care of their body as the temple of God.

“You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the Lord.” – Leviticus 19:28

Our body is the temple of God, therefore, we should know how to take care of it according to God’s Word and Will. Be active as much as possible and don’t eat the bread of idleness — hit the gym, do some exercises at home such as yoga, body weight exercises or simply walk with your spouse or family. Get enough sleep, drink lots of water, dress up and take care of your skin. Avoid using heavy makeup, be natural as much as possible and don’t do dirty or foolish thing on your body. “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

  • They show the fruit of the Spirit.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23

The fruit of the Spirit should be manifested in everyone’s life and home. So, practice these qualities in your home and let the love of God shine through you. As a Christian parent, you should be very careful with your actions and words to your children. Correct and discipline your children calmly and wisely. Don’t use harsh words or curse your children, instead hear them out and explain your side in a way that they can understand better. Thus, don’t let your anger consume you. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32

A Christian family is not perfect — they face challenges, trials and problems, but they know that these things will come to pass with the help of the Lord. They also have each other back to strengthen and encourage in every circumstance. “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Thus, they know that obeying and respecting God and His Word are their priority as an individual and family. “Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” – John 14:23