Be the best you can for your own family
1 Timothy 5:8(AMPC) If anyone fails to provide for his relatives, and especially for those of his own family, he has disowned the faith [by failing to accompany it with fruits] and is worse than an unbeliever [who performs his obligation in these matters].
1 Timothy 5:8 (TLB) But anyone who won’t care for his own relatives when they need help, especially those living in his own family, has no right to say he is a Christian. Such a person is worse than the heathen.
This passage highlights the responsibility of Believers to care for their relatives, particularly their immediate family members. Neglecting this duty is considered a denial of faith and is seen as worse than being an unbeliever.
To be the best for our families, let us consider simple yet impactful actions. Giving our best, both in tangible and intangible ways, is a significant aspect. The power of giving holds transformative potential. Touching the lives of our family members through acts of love, blessing, and provision is vital. The best gift we can offer our families is to serve the Lord, as stated in Joshua 24:15(NLT) But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD.”
Nurturing our families requires imparting values and wisdom to the next generation. Deuteronomy 6:6-7a(NIV) instructs us: These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children.
Proverbs 22:6(NIV) reinforces the importance of guiding children onto the right path, stating: Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.
Leaving a positive inheritance, not only in material possessions but also in values and faith, is highlighted in Proverbs 13:22a(NIV) A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children.
Let us now recognise the impact of touch within our families. Touch is a powerful means of connection, communication, and comfort.
Genesis 27:22a(NLT) recounts a moment when Jacob approached his father, and Isaac touched him, signifying a deep emotional connection between them: So Jacob went closer to his father, and Isaac touched him.
The impact of touch extends to various aspects:
- Emotional connection: A simple touch, such as a hug, handshake, or pat on the back, can provide a sense of reassurance and strengthen bonds between family members.
- Physical well-being: Touch has the potential to lower blood pressure, reduce stress levels, and promote relaxation.
- Pain relief: Gentle touch activates specialised nerve fibers, called C fibers, that help block pain signals and provide a soothing sensation, explaining why we instinctively rub or hold an injured area.
- Communication: Touch can convey messages and emotions that words sometimes struggle to express.
Speaking blessings over our family members is another influential way to nurture and support them.
Ephesians 4:29(ESV) guides us: Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Proverbs 16:24(NIV) reminds us: Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Proverbs 18:21(NIV) highlights the power of the tongue: The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Proverbs 12:18(NIV) further illustrates the impact of wise words: The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
The impact of speaking blessings is far-reaching:
- Inspiration and upliftment: Positive words inspire and uplift, fostering confidence and motivation to pursue goals.
- Emotional well-being: Speaking positive words boosts self-esteem, fosters a positive self-image, and promotes happiness and contentment.
- Strengthening relationships: Positive words create a foundation of trust, respect, and love, enhancing communication, deepening connections, and fostering unity and harmony.
- Avoiding negative words: Negative words can lead to fear, shame, guilt, and low self-esteem. They can damage mental well-being, contribute to anxiety, depression, and strain relationships, creating a negative environment that hinders connections and distorts self-perception.
Numbers 6:24-26(NLT) offers a beautiful blessing from the Lord: ‘May the LORD bless you and protect you. May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you. May the LORD show you his favor and give you his peace.’
Today, let us make a conscious decision to give our best, offer comforting touch, and speak blessings over our own families. By doing so, we honour them and serve the Lord. May the Lord bless and protect us, smile upon us, be gracious to us, show us favour, and give us His peace.
Let us prioritise giving, touching, and blessing our families, striving to be the best we can be for them.