Parenting 101: Lessons From Jesus' Earthly ParentsНамуна

And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. Matthew 2:13 (KJV)

Joseph and Mary worked together to protect Jesus from Herod. Before then, Joseph and Mary worked together not to disrupt God's divine process (Matthew 1:25). Several studies show that a healthy relationship between parents positively affects child development (from conception) with lifelong impact. From conception,  parents should work together to support their child's development.

From conception, God did not sideline Joseph in the divine process of birthing and raising Jesus. God carried him along as the adoptive or earthly father. It shows us that fathers play an equally important role as mothers in a child's development. There should be no competition between parents. 

Mary was the first to receive the prophecy about Jesus. Yet, she humbled herself and submitted to her husband's directions. She trusted Joseph and allowed him to lead. Once she got married to Joseph, God led the family through Joseph. It does not mean that God does not speak to the wife in marriage. It means that God is not the author of confusion. God wants harmony in the home, and submitting to one another in marriage protects children in the home.

When I disagree with my spouse’s view on any issue, I have learned that proving or arguing that my view is the right option does not always yield good results. Thus, I have become more intentional about winning arguments in prayer. I do not pray that my spouse should make his decisions based on my views. I pray that God will give him the wisdom to make the right decision for the family. It yields positive results for the family.

For the sake of our children's healthy development, we must love and submit to each other in marriage or set aside differences when co-parenting.

We hope this plan encouraged you. Click here for more spiritual and mental health resources to help you navigate pregnancy and the early years of parenting.