21 Days to Building a Faith Filled Family - Audio DevotionalSample

Uncovering the Heart of your Family: Family Core Values

Hello friend. It’s been good to spend these few days with you. Welcome to Day 4 of our reflective journey. Today, we'll explore the profound concept of family values and their significance in shaping our lives and relationships. But let's begin with a moment of prayer.

Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you today with hearts open to receive your wisdom and guidance. As we explore the importance of family values, may you reveal to us the significance of these principles in our lives. Guide our reflections, Lord, and help us to align our hearts with your truth. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

I encourage you to make yourself comfortable and give these next 15 minutes your full attention. Remove any distractions you can. If you’re listening to the audio, you can close your eyes and let the sound of my voice guide you on this journey.

Family values are the guiding principles and ideals that shape the identity and behavior of our earthly families. Whether we are aware of them or not, we all have values we live by.

Your family values are the principles that guide your decisions. For example, does your family show up to places on time? Your family might value punctuality. Does your family try to always tell the truth? Honesty or integrity might be near the top of your value list.

Sometimes our values seem so normal to us that we might think that every family has the same values. But that’s far from the truth.

Each family is unique, with its own set of values that reflect its beliefs, experiences, and aspirations. These values shape the culture of the family and provide a framework for making decisions, resolving conflicts, and nurturing relationships. A family’s alignment on the family values creates cohesion and consistency.

Essentially, when everybody is aware of the values, and supports them, generally life is easier inside the home.

Have you ever stopped to ponder that God’s family could have family values? In the Old Testament, God spoke to Moses and outlined the Law for the Israelites. Interlaced throughout the Law were values and principles that were important to God, and God wanted them to be important to the Israelites too.

God’s family values aren’t just for the Israelites or the Old Testament. We, as Christians are called to continue in God’s family values. We should know, support and align ourselves with the values of our spiritual family.

In the book of Colossians, we get to read a letter from the apostle Paul to the city of Colossae. In that letter is a section that outlines some values we’re called to exhibit.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Colossians 3:12-14

Paul instructs us, as believers, to clothe ourselves, or put on values like compassion, kindness, and patience. When we ‘put on’ or live with these values, they shape how we make decisions, resolve conflicts, and nurture relationships, even to the point of forgiveness.

Take a moment to reflect on what your family values are. What principles do you and your loved ones hold dear? Could be love, respect, honesty, integrity, compassion, or any other virtue that holds special meaning for you. How do they influence the way you interact with each other and the world around you?

[PAUSE FOR REFLECTION]

Here’s another consideration for you. Do you think all family members are aware and supportive of the same values? How has the alignment or misalignment of members affected your family?

[PAUSE FOR REFLECTION]

When family members share common values and actively uphold them, they foster a sense of unity, trust, and mutual respect within the family unit. These values serve as a moral compass, guiding family members through life's challenges and helping them navigate difficult decisions with integrity and wisdom.

My wish is for you and your family to have incredible cohesion and unity. That begins with shared values and how we create a common culture inside our home.

You can’t do that alone. You need Jesus to help, so I’ll leave you with Him to unpack it all. Take all the time you need.

I’ll see you tomorrow.