Barbra Gentry-Pugh

Rooted in Love ~ The Human Family and the Family of God!

April 6, 2025

“Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart.” Colossians 3:21 (NASB)

“Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” The husband/father is to pray, speak life, bless and anoint your family, and make room for Christ in your home. By doing this, you are inviting peace, joy, and harmonious relationships. Never allow sin to destroy your home.” Ephesians 4:30 -32 (NASB)

The family is the primary institution established by God. Wherever there were nations, cities, or other human communities, there was always a family. Logically and chronologically, family comes first. However, when the world’s first family began to break down because of sin, God established the state after Cain’s wrongdoing. God’s judgment and punishment were direct from Him, with no court of law or governmental authority to address the situation. But when God placed a mark on Cain as a peace bond, He introduced a law to prevent others in the family from killing him. This rule of law marked the beginning of the state as a counterbalance to the family.

Unfortunately, it was not long before sinful people began to corrupt the state as well. The third institution, the Church, also traces its roots back to the early days of the world. After the righteous Abel was killed, Adam and Eve had another son named Seth. Seth and his son Enoch were connected to the increasing tendency of people to call on the name of the Lord. This commitment to righteousness was preserved through Noah and continued in Abraham. The promise made to Abraham was ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who not only brought the blessing of salvation from sin but also established the blessing of a community based on shared faith, known as the Church!

Ideally, these three institutions – the family, based on biological unity; the state, based on geographical unity; and the Church, based on spiritual unity – and were intended to reinforce each other. They are mutually dependent, and each one needs the other two to function effectively in a godly manner. When one institution struggles or breaks down, the other two must offer support and assistance, though they cannot fully replace it.

I recently supported a family that was interacting with the court system, and it was evident that the family structure had been damaged and observing the residual effects – had eroded the foundation, which resulted in pain that was difficult to witness.

Sadly, children often bear the consequences of their parents’ sins. Why would sins affect grandchildren and great-grandchildren? This is no arbitrary punishment. Children still suffer for the sins of their parents. Consider child abuse, which takes many forms. Here are some root problems – when the father does not take his rightful place in the home: Priest (spiritual leadership), Prophet (teaching and speaking God’s Truth), Provider (physical and emotional provision). There are other obvious sins like greed, selfishness, envy, guilt, and unforgiveness, and they can be passed along as well. The dire consequences of sin are not limited to the individual family member, and there are one of the reasons to be careful not to treat sin casually but repent and turn from it. The sin may cause you little pain now, but it could sting in a most tender area of your life later- your children and grandchildren.

In today’s society, we are witnessing a breakdown of the family structure, where traditional roles and values are often challenged or disregarded. This fragmentation leads to a ripple effect, impacting not just individual families but the broader society as well. The lack of unity, support, and nurturing within the family can create emotional, relational, and even spiritual distress and dis-ease. Children grow up without a strong foundation of love and guidance, leading to struggles and thrashing of identity, purpose, and security. In the absence of healthy family models, the spiritual and emotional well-being of individuals are often compromised. Again, sadly, our society as a whole can suffer from brokenness, instability, and disconnection.

The breakdown of the family also weakens the very fabric of community life, leaving people isolated and vulnerable. As God’s design for family begins to unravel, it becomes increasingly difficult to experience the love, support, and safety that family was meant to provide. But even in the midst of this, we are reminded that God’s love is unshakeable.

“The Family of God, Rooted in LOVE, offers a place of Healing, Reconciliation, and Restoration, reminding us of the Beauty and Necessity of Relationships Founded on His TRUTH!”

Here are several aspects of both the Human Family and the Spiritual family that are Rooted in Love, Highlighting How Love Shapes Both Structures:

Unconditional Love

Human Family: The love between family members, especially parents and children, is often expected to be unconditional. Parents provide care, protection, and support regardless of a child’s behavior or mistakes. Though imperfect, this form of love serves as a foundational model for how we relate to one another within the human family.

Spiritual Family: In the family of God, God’s love for His children is unconditional and steadfast. Romans 5:8 tells us that “God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This love is not based on our actions but on His grace, and it forms the basis of Christian relationships within the spiritual family.

Sacrificial Love

Human Family: Sacrifice is often seen in human families, whether a parent working hard to provide for their children or a family member giving up personal desires for the sake of the family’s well-being. Sacrificial love is the essence of family, where one is willing to put the needs of others before their own.

Spiritual Family: In the spiritual family, the ultimate example of sacrificial love is Jesus Christ. He gave His life for the salvation of the world in John 15:13. As Believers in Christ, we are called to demonstrate this same sacrificial love by serving one another, forgiving one another, and prioritizing others’ needs over our own, as noted in 1 John 3:16.

Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Human Family: No family is without conflict. However, love in the human family often manifests through forgiveness and reconciliation. When wrongs are done, love allows for healing, understanding, and the rebuilding of relationships. Families who practice forgiveness demonstrate that love is not just a feeling, but an active choice to restore what has been broken.

Spiritual Family: In the family of God, forgiveness is central to maintaining unity. Jesus taught His followers to forgive one another just as God has forgiven them in Matthew 18:21-22. The power of God’s love enables Believers in Christ to forgive one another and seek reconciliation, keeping the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, in Ephesians 4:3.

Support and Encouragement

Human Family: Family members are meant to support and encourage one another through the ups and downs of life. From celebrating successes to comforting during losses, love is expressed in the consistent emotional and practical support families offer each other.

Spiritual Family: In the family of God, Believers in Christ are called to support and encourage each other in their faith journey. Hebrews 10:24-25 urges Believers to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” The love within the church community creates an environment where individuals can grow in faith and maturity, knowing they are supported by fellow believers.

Commitment and Faithfulness

Human Family: One of the defining aspects of love in a human family is commitment, being there for one another in good times and bad. Faithfulness to family is often seen in lifelong relationships, where members are committed to each other’s well-being, regardless of the challenges they face.

Spiritual Family: Similarly, the spiritual family is built on the commitment and faithfulness of God and His people. God’s love is unwavering, and Believers in Christ, are called to be faithful to God and one another. The commitment to one another within the body of Christ mirrors the faithfulness God shows to His children in 1 Corinthians 1:9.

Teaching and Nurturing

Human Family: In a loving family, parents and caregivers teach and nurture the next generation, passing on values, wisdom, and faith. This guidance is rooted in love, as the family helps children develop into responsible and compassionate individuals.

Spiritual Family: In the spiritual family, the church has the role of nurturing and teaching believers to grow in Christlikeness. Pastors, leaders, and fellow Christians help guide and nurture each other through Bible study, prayer, and discipleship, rooted in the love of God noted in Ephesians 4:15-16.

Protection and Safety

Human Family: Love within the human family provides a sense of safety and security. Parents and family members protect each other from harm, creating an environment where all feel safe to be vulnerable and loved.

Spiritual Family: In the family of God, believers find safety in the presence of God and the community of believers. Love protects and shields, offering spiritual safety from the attacks of the enemy and providing comfort in times of trouble Psalm 91:4. The church acts as a spiritual family where believers are encouraged to protect and look out for each other.

Belonging and Acceptance

Human Family: Love in the human family creates a deep sense of belonging. No matter the circumstances or mistakes made, a family member can often find acceptance and love within their family, where they know they are valued for who they are.

Spiritual Family: In the family of God, all believers are accepted and embraced, regardless of their past. The love of Christ invites everyone to belong to His family, offering unconditional acceptance and a place in His eternal kingdom, in John 1:12. The Church should reflect this same atmosphere of acceptance and love.

These aspects help to illustrate the powerful and foundational role that love plays in both the human and spiritual families. The love that unites both families is intended to help build strong relationships, foster growth, and create a space for healing and grace.

A Strong Family Begins With YOU!

Make a difference by letting God lead and empower you in these areas:

Love & Devotion ~ When Christ’s love is welcomed into a family, its members are committed to following His example. Our home is truly blessed. Ephesians 5:1-2. Parents who love this. Parents who love like this Christ raised children who do the same. 1 John 3:16-18.

Grace & Kindness. Forgiveness, compassion, and peace Peacemaking begins at home. Colossians 3:12-15. Listening is one of the best ways to show the members of your family you love them and value their feelings, as noted in, Romans 12:9-10.

Authenticity and Honesty ~ A family committed to growing closer together shares its struggles and victories. Romans 12:15. A home knitted together in Christ enjoys the privilege of praying. together and inviting God’s presence to transform every area of their lives. Ephesians 3:14-21.

YOUR HEART CHALLENGE: Husbands, as priest, prophet, and provider of your home, you are the doorway with what comes in and out of your home. You are to stop any evil from coming into the home! You stand on Ephesians 4:23-32!

^“Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:23-32 (NLT)

AN ETERNAL HEART: God’s Family is Eternal. The family of God includes all who have believed in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, all who believe in the present, and all who will believe in the future. We are all a family because we have the same Father. He is the Source of all creations, the rightful owner of everything. God promises His love and power to his family, the church. If we want to receive God’s blessings, it is important that we stay in contact with other Believers in the Body of Christ. Those who isolate themselves from God’s family and try to go it alone cut themselves off from God’s power.

PRAYER:  Father God, thank You for Your authoritative, inerrant, and inspired Word that gives us clear instructions on how to be fair and honest with family responsibilities, which must be a priority for Believers in Christ. Help us to live with purpose, passion, and perseverance, knowing that the mission we’ve received from Jesus is worth every cost. May our lives reflect Your grace and the transformative power of Your love, in the Precious, Powerful, and Preeminent name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, Amen.