Ten years old Mikel lives with his mother in Abuja. His younger sister Lilian lives with their father in Lagos. Why? Because both parents had a divorce when Mikel was 7 years old. They argued, quarreled, and had a lot of disagreements until they decided to end their marriage. Lilian was always sad and depressed. I knew this because Lilian was my student. Lilian sometimes gets suicidal, and has attempted suicide twice. When asked why she was like that, she'll respond by saying,"I don't have a happy family".
Like Lilian's Family, many families today are not happy. The home which is supposed to be a safe haven, has become a sober and pathetic box, where everyone simply wants to get away from. So many families in the world experience so much problems that leads to divorce, separation and a lot more unhappy cases. As such the question How can my family be happy?, becomes a a difficult puzzle.
As Christians however, we are not puzzled. God, the originator of marriage and the first family, has provided us with guidelines. The Bible gives practical advice on how to have and maintain a happy family life.
In discussing this from God's word the Bible, we will consider the roles of each member of the family, namely, the father , the mother and the children.
ROLE OF THE HUSBAND
The husband has a God-given role as the head of the family. However, see what these scriptures say the husband must do;
- Ephesians 5:28,29;(28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. A man who loves his wife loves himself, 29 for no man ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cherishes it, just as the Christ does the congregation)
If a man beats himself physically for his own mistakes, I'm sure we'll consider him a psychologically imbalanced man. As such, husbands must not be brutal with their wives. He should love his wife and be gentle with her. In fact, he must treat his wife the same way he will treat himself in any situation. The Bible says whoever loves the wife, loves himself. Only a 'pseudo man' beats his wife. More so, a man should not down cast his wife with harsh and unfair words. (also see 1Peter 3:7)
Now next is;
ROLE OF THE WIFE
Just as Eve was given to Adam to be his companion, wives also today have a **supportive role in the family ** today. How can they carryout this role, so that the family can be happy? See what the scriptures say;
- Ephesians 5:22,24;(22 Let wives be in subjection to their husbands as to the Lord ,,,24 In fact, as the congregation is in subjection to the Christ, wives should also be to their husbands in everything.)
Wives should support the husband and be submissive to him. It doesn't make them slaves, but it shows that they are willing to apply the Bible's advice in their family life. Women should not down grade their husbands or use sharp words to tear him down. They want to support his decisions and encourage him. This will help in maintaining a peaceful atmosphere in the home, and it will help the husband love his wife more.
Now there is something that both the husband and wife must remember in order to keep a happy family. See what the Bible says ;
- Hebrews 13:4; (4 Let marriage be honorable among all, and let the marriage bed be without defilement, for God will judge sexually immoral people and adulterers).
Did you see that? In the family it is one man one wife, that is God's arrangement. Do not divert God's arrangement by having illicit affairs, do not divert God's purpose by committing adultery. This is something that has destroyed many homes. Please listen to the voice of God as we read in the Bible.
Is that all? The answer is NO!
ROLE OF CHILDREN
Children are not left out. Children are part of God's arrangement for the family and as such they have their role to play in the home. God's word the Bible tells children;
- Ephesians 6:1-3; (1 Children, be obedient to your parents in union with the Lord, for this is righteous. 2 “Honor your father and your mother” is the first command with a promise: 3 “That it may go well with you and you may remain a long time on the earth.)
Children want to apply this scripture. Not just obeying their parents but honouring them.
Now think about it;
If the husband plays his role, the wife plays her role and the children plays their role, how do you think the family will look like? The family will certainly be happy.
Please note: that problems may also arise in the home and as such families ought to be prayerful as they apply the Bible's advice. Without application, these are just mere words. But when we apply them, then we will truly see that God's word is alive and is sharper than a two edged sword.
Many families are in need of this information from the Bible. So PLEASE UPVOTE, RESTEEM, AND FOLLOW. Spread the word.
Thanks for viewing.
Special thanks to @sirknight and @steemchurch for providing this platform.
#refrences;
New World Translation of The Holy Scriptures. Cited scriptures are from the New World Translation of The Holy Scriptures.
Indeed, the Bible provides practical suggestions, if this scriptural suggestions if adhered to, surely the family will be happy. Every single piece of advice we need to succeed either as a family or single person is provided in details in the Bible. We all need to thoroughly study the Bible. Thanks for sharing.
Yes @pboss, you are correct
Like you rightly stated.. I feel happiness involves collective effort.. From the husband.. Wife's and children...abuse in the family seems to take the center spread in most homes today.. We can only truly pray for God to grant is wisdom in handling our activities especially in our homes
Yes you are right.. We must pray