Eʋe: Ƒomedodo nyuitɔ

SCRIPTURE READINGS.

1 Samuel 2:18–20, 26

Colossians 3:12–17

Luke 2:41–52

INTRODUCTION

The theme for reflection this last Sunday of the year is Good Family Relationships. The family is the first institution established by God. Before the Church, before the State, and before the School, God ordained the family as the primary unit of society. When families are healthy, churches are strong, and communities are stable. Conversely, when family relationships break down, society suffers deeply.

As we reflect on this last Sunday of the month—a time often dedicated to family life—the Word of God calls us to examine the quality of our relationships at home.

“Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labour in vain.” — Psalm 127:1

Beloved in Christ, Christmas reminds us that God chose to come into the world through a family. The season after Christmas therefore invites us to reflect on how God desires our families to reflect His love, order, and grace.

The Scriptures appointed for today clearly teach us that good family relationships are built on godliness, love, obedience, and mutual growth.

1. GOD’S ORIGINAL DESIGN FOR THE FAMILY

Family is not a human invention; it is a divine design.

“So God created mankind in his own image… male and female he created them.” — Genesis 1:27

God established marriage and family to be a place of:

• Love
• Companionship
• Mutual support
• Spiritual nurture

A good family relationship begins when God is acknowledged as the foundation and centre of the home.

2. LOVE: THE BINDING FORCE OF THE FAMILY

Love is the heartbeat of every healthy family. Without love, relationships become cold, mechanical, and hostile.

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” — 1 Peter 4:8

Biblical love in the family is:

• Patient (1 Corinthians 13:4)
• Forgiving (Colossians 3:13)
• Sacrificial (Ephesians 5:25)

Good families are not perfect families—but families that choose to love despite imperfections.

3. RESPECT AND MUTUAL SUBMISSION

The Bible teaches mutual respect among family members.

“Submit yourselves one to another in the fear of God.” — Ephesians 5:21

Husbands are to love and honour their wives (Ephesians 5:25)

Wives are to respect their husbands (Ephesians 5:33)

Children are to obey and honour their parents (Ephesians 6:1–3)

Parents are to nurture, not provoke, their children (Ephesians 6:4)

Where respect is absent, conflict thrives. Where respect is practised, peace grows.

4. COMMUNICATION AND FORGIVENESS

Healthy families talk to one another, not about one another. Silence, bitterness, and unresolved anger destroy relationships.

“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” — James 1:19

Forgiveness is essential in family life because offences are inevitable.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:32

A good family relationship is sustained by honest communication and continuous forgiveness.

5. SPIRITUAL LIFE IN THE FAMILY

Families grow stronger when they grow together spiritually.

“As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” — Joshua 24:15

Family prayer, Bible reading, and worship:

• Unite hearts
• Shape character
• Provide moral direction
• Invite God’s presence into the home
• A praying family is a protected family.

6. RESPONSIBILITY AND CARE FOR ONE ANOTHER

The Bible places strong emphasis on responsibility within the family.

“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives… has denied the faith.” — 1 Timothy 5:8

Good family relationships involve:

• Caring for the elderly
• Supporting one another emotionally
• Sharing burdens
• Standing together in difficult times

Family is where love is demonstrated, not merely spoken.

BIBLICAL ILLUSTRATIONS FROM TODAY’S READINGS

I. GODLY UPBRINGING BUILDS STRONG FAMILIES

(1 Samuel 2:18–20, 26)

Young Samuel served the Lord under the guidance of Eli, while Hannah remained committed to his spiritual growth. Though Samuel lived away from home, parental prayer, support, and godly instruction shaped his character.

“And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favour with the LORD and with people.”

Lesson:

Good families intentionally nurture both spiritual and moral growth.

II. CHRISTIAN VIRTUES SUSTAIN FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS

(Colossians 3:12–17)

Paul exhorts believers to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love. These virtues are essential for healthy family life.

Lesson:

No family is perfect, but love, forgiveness, gratitude, and peace preserve unity.

III. OBEDIENCE AND WISDOM STRENGTHEN FAMILY BONDS

(Luke 2:41–52)

Jesus, though fully aware of His divine mission, lived in obedience to His earthly parents.

“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.”

Lesson:

Good family relationships flourish where there is respect, communication, obedience, and understanding.

CONCLUSION

Beloved, (Ƒomedodo nyuitɔ)—good family relationships—are both God’s gift and our responsibility. They do not happen automatically; they are built intentionally, prayerfully, and sacrificially.

As we conclude this month, let us recommit our families into God’s hands:

• Let husbands love more deeply
• Wives respect more sincerely
• Parents guide more gently
• Children obey more faithfully

“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” — Psalm 133:1

CLOSING REFLECTION/CALL

• Examine your relationship with your spouse
• Restore broken communication
• Forgive old wounds
• Rebuild family altars
• Invite Christ afresh into your home

A good family relationship is both a gift from God and a responsibility before God.

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord, bless our families. Heal broken relationships, strengthen bonds of love, and help us to live according to Your Word, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

By: Rev. Sylvanus Yao Kpodonu.