Jesus, Family, and You: How to Love Your Family Like Christ
Matthew BellShare
In today’s fast-paced world, many Christians unintentionally put their family relationships on the back burner. Between careers, ministry, and personal ambitions, it’s easy to forget that our families are a divine assignment — not just a natural connection. The Bible makes it clear: honoring and cherishing your family is a foundational principle of the Christian life.
God doesn’t just call us to have families — He calls us to cherish them.
Let’s explore 10 Biblical reasons why cherishing your family should be a daily priority — and how doing so honors God and strengthens your walk with Him.
1. God Created the Family Before Anything Else
Before there were nations, governments, or even churches, God established the family unit. It is His original design for community, growth, and covenant relationships.
Genesis 2:24 (KJV) – “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”
This verse doesn’t just describe marriage — it reflects the beginning of all family structures. By creating Adam and Eve and commanding them to be fruitful, God revealed His vision for humanity to thrive through relational connection. When we cherish our families, we’re respecting the very first institution God created.
2. The Command to Honor Starts at Home
God didn’t just suggest we honor our parents — He commanded it. The fifth commandment links family respect to personal blessing.
Exodus 20:12 (KJV) – “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.”
To cherish family means more than obedience — it means placing value on the relationships that God calls sacred. Honoring parents, even imperfect ones, is an act of spiritual obedience and a path to long life and peace.
3. Jesus Modeled Family Care, Even on the Cross
Even while suffering on the cross, Jesus made sure His mother was cared for — demonstrating the importance of family care even in the midst of pain and purpose.
John 19:26-27 (KJV) – “When Jesus therefore saw his mother… he saith to the disciple, Behold thy mother!”
In this moment of agony, Jesus still ensured that His mother would be looked after. If Christ could prioritize family in His darkest hour, how much more should we do so in our daily lives?
4. Love at Home Reflects God’s Love to the World
Family is where we first learn to love, forgive, and serve. A household that thrives in love mirrors the kingdom of God.
1 Corinthians 13:4–7 (KJV) – “Charity suffereth long, and is kind… beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”
This kind of love begins in the home. When we treat our family members with grace, patience, and kindness, we become walking examples of God’s love to the world.
5. Neglecting Your Family Is Spiritually Dangerous
The Bible warns that neglecting the needs of one’s household — emotional, spiritual, or practical — is a serious offense in God’s eyes.
1 Timothy 5:8 (KJV) – “But if any provide not for his own… he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”
God takes family responsibility seriously. Cherishing your family is more than emotional expression — it’s evidence of genuine faith.
6. Your Family Is Your First Ministry
Before preaching to the nations or leading a ministry, God expects us to be faithful stewards at home.
Joshua 24:15 (KJV) – “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
This declaration is more than poetic—it’s a mandate. If your home isn’t in order, your testimony loses power. Cherishing your family is the first step toward living a life that glorifies God.
7. Your Family Carries Your Legacy
The way you cherish your family today directly influences the next generation.
Proverbs 13:22 (KJV) – “A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children…”
This inheritance isn’t just financial — it’s spiritual. The love, honor, and wisdom you sow into your family today can echo through generations, shaping godly legacies long after you're gone.
8. Jesus Spoke of Spiritual and Natural Family
Jesus expanded the concept of family to include the spiritual body, but He never diminished the value of blood ties.
Mark 3:35 (KJV) – “For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.”
While we are to love the body of Christ, we are not released from our responsibility to love, protect, and nurture our natural family.
9. Forgiveness Is a Crucial Key to Family Unity
There is no perfect family. Every family faces pain, misunderstandings, and disappointments. The key to preserving love is forgiveness.
Colossians 3:13 (KJV) – “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another… even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”
Forgiveness isn’t weakness — it’s strength. Cherishing your family means choosing grace even when it’s difficult. It's how we maintain peace and prevent bitterness from taking root.
10. Life Is Short — Don't Waste the Opportunity
We never know how long we have with the ones we love. Every day is a gift, and every moment is a chance to express God’s love.
James 4:14 (KJV) – “For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”
Don’t let petty issues steal your time. Don’t assume you’ll always have another chance. Cherish them now — with your words, your actions, and your prayers.
Final Encouragement
Family is God’s gift, His classroom, and His calling for each of us. To cherish your family is to reflect the heart of Christ — full of love, humility, and sacrifice.
If this message encouraged you to look at your loved ones with fresh eyes, share it with a friend who may need this reminder. Whether you’re mending a broken relationship, seeking to love more deeply, or just appreciating what God has given you — today is the perfect time to begin.
“Let all your things be done with charity.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14 (KJV)
