SPIRITUAL GROWTH OF YOUR FAMILY By Jonas & Raquel Arrais General Conference Ministerial Association

A HEALTHY FAMILY Needs: A strong marriage commitment Appreciation and affirmation Effective communication Spiritual commitment Skills to deal with crisis and conflicts

FAMILY LIFE OUR FIRST MINISTRY!

STRESS FACTORS Usually overloaded No time for the family Struggle to survive Concern for the future Education of the children Financial and health problems Losses

Ellen White wrote: “The greatest evidence of the power of Christianity that can be presented to the world is a well-ordered, well-disciplined family.” —Adventist Home, p. 32

IMPORTANT CONCEPTS Christianity is a centralized life in love. “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” —1 John 4:8

Home is a place to learn love If love does not work at home, does not work anywhere else.

Love is a quality that is developed Nobody is born loving. We are born with the need and potential to love. Love is learned. That’s why God created the home!

Four of the 10 Commandments relate directly or indirectly to the home.

Second Commandment: Children tend to follow the example of their parents. Fourth Commandment: The Sabbath rest includes the entire family. Fifth Commandment: Children of any age have responsibility toward their parents. Tenth Commandment: Admire your own spouse, not the neighbor’s.

Taking care of our family should be a priority over everything else—except over God Himself.

RECIPE FOR A HAPPY FAMILY Spend quality time regularly The greatest gift you can give your family is you—yourself! Real, quality, and sufficient time. Fulfill your promise.

Allow time for small tasks Work as a team. Undertake something together. Have rituals. Set and discuss priorities.

Communicate with your spouse in a meaningful way: Communicate well Communicate with your spouse in a meaningful way: Listen lovingly Listen without judging Share problems and triumphs Communicate at a deeper level Intimacy Romance

Communicate with your children appropriately: Verbal communication should cover both speaking and listening. It should be age-appropriate, respectful, and friendly. Appropriate touch is important. Body language affects how they react.

Affirm frequently Express appreciation. Say, Thank You! Beware of criticism. Always look for something good and positive. Accompany and support your spouse.

Pray daily Set the family altar as a daily top priority. Make the family worship a happy experience. Share the spiritual leadership.

Objectives of the family worship Educational Therapeutic Redemptive

To build a happy family could bring some challenges, but the effort is worthy!

“A well-ordered, a well-disciplined family in the sight of God is more precious than fine gold. . . One well-ordered, well-disciplined family tells more in behalf of Christianity than all the sermons that can be preached.” —Adventist Home, p. 32