Following God’s Course in Navigating Healthy Family Relationships

Family Fire: Stoking the Spirit’s flame at home

Let’s face it; the most complicated relationships are the ones closest to us. A comment from a total stranger, or even a mere acquaintance, might bite, but the same comment coming from a spouse, parent, sibling, or close friend feels like a great white shark attack. These relationships call for wisdom and grace, which are in short supply when we operate on our own, in the flesh. To navigate relationships in healthy ways, we must follow the course God maps out. His Spirit is our compass. Those are not just fluffy, feel good words; they carry the weight of conviction founded on Scripture in them. Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding (ESV).” Jesus calls Himself the “True Vine” and tells us that we are His branches. “Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing,” (John 15:5 ESV). Without God we wander around in our relationships without aim. Wisdom and grace are ours at the mere asking. In recent weeks, Family Fire from ReFrame Media, has discussed what it looks like to navigate close relationships using the Holy Spirit as guide. 

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Be the Hero of Your Family. By Deb Koster. Comic book heroes are supposed to act selflessly, serve with great courage, and work for justice. As Christians our model and ideal is more awesome than in any comic book, and he is found in the person of Jesus Christ.

Teaching Healthy Handling of Technology. By Dean Heetderks. Technology can be so alluring—probably because it promises to meet our every need. But, we can’t deny that our phones and computers and games and gadgets rarely deliver on their promises. So how can you—and your kids—put technology into perspective?

How to Cultivate Family Worship Time. By Deb Koster. The family that worships together grows together. Family spiritual practice bonds both couples and families. How do you create a healthy shared devotional life in your family?

When Your Child Chooses a Different Standard. By Kim Sullivan. Every parent fears the moment when your young adult child drops a bomb on you: a life choice completely contrary to the standards you have set before them. How would Christ want for you to respond?

Mentoring Your Children to Manage Their Conflicts. By Rob Toornstra. Managing conflict between children is never easy, but with our mentoring they can learn how to navigate conflict effectively. Life will never be conflict free, but unity matters to God, so learning to manage conflict is a virtue.

Why Our Words Matter. By Deb Koster. From the heart the tongue overflows. The tongue is not easily managed without God in control. On our own we are powerless to completely tame our tongues, we need a faithful Savior to provide us renewal. 

Watch for updates about Family Fire each month on the Network as a digest of recent Family Fire posts. You can explore familyfire.com at any time. And be sure to join our Facebook community (“Like” Family Fire!).

Family Fire is a publication of ReFrame Media, a ministry of Back to God Ministries International. To learn more about ReFrame Media visit reframemedia.com.