Biblical Solutions For Broken Hearts and Broken Families

Defined By The Bible There are different words used for “love” sacrificial love “agape” Ù sacrificial love ; a love for the other’s betterment despite what he/she does in return cp. Jn 3:16 Rom 5:8 tender affection “phileo” Ù tender affection ; the more emotional display of love cp. Mt 10:37 Titus 2:4

Defined By The Bible There are different words used for “love” passionate love “eros” Ù passionate love ; often used re: sensual or sexual love cp. Prov 7:18 [Septuagint] love of kindred “storge” Ù love of kindred ; often termed “family love” cp. Rom 1:31 2 Tim 3:3

Depicted By The Ungodly This has been observed both inside & outside the Bible Secularly Susan Smith drowned her 2 young sons because they were in the way of her fornication Biblically Athaliah 2 Kings 11:1-3

Depicted By The Ungodly From Rom 1:31 & 2 Tim 3:3, we learn… …those who practice and approve of such are worthy of death Rom 1:31 …such behavior indicates perilous times 2 Tim 3:1 …such behavior is “folly” that only gets worse, not better 2 Tim 3:9, 13

Defeated By Godliness Through affectionate nurturing In a cold & heartless world, godly parents build safe homes through “natural affection” Nothing is more “natural” than for Dad & Mom to shower their children with innocent and purposeful affection without bias, favoritism cp. Gen 25: :30 37:3-4, 20

Defeated By Godliness Through affectionate nurturing In a cold & heartless world, godly parents build safe homes through “natural affection” If Dads & Moms fail to show their children the “natural affection” they crave and deserve, it will oftentimes be sought out at other less-than- honorable places cp. 1 Cor 7:1-5 Apply the principle found within this passage

Defeated By Godliness Through affectionate nurturing In a cold & heartless world, godly parents build safe homes through “natural affection” Dad & Mom are a team…must work together God has empowered us with unique talents Fathers Ù task oriented Mothers Ù relationship oriented Gen 3:16, 17-19

Defeated By Godliness Through affectionate nurturing In a cold & heartless world, godly parents build safe homes through “natural affection” Fathers… our wives can be a great help to us They were given to us by God to make us complete Gen 2:18 Through their strengths, they can help us fulfill our God-given commands cp. Col 3:21

Defeated By Godliness Through principled instruction Not just discussing “affection” (X’s & O’s) Our purpose is nurturing, guiding, training, developing godly character This means teaching our children Consider the example of Abraham Gen 18:19

Defeated By Godliness Through principled instruction Like our ancient predecessors, we must look for “life’s teachable moments” to instruct our children cp. Deut 6:4-9 We are so commanded under our covenant today Eph 6:4 It is one way in which we “nurture” our children

Defeated By Godliness Through “tough love” when necessary Sometimes “natural affection” isn’t pleasant Children misbehave, disobey…need correction It is the parents’ right and responsibility to intervene and make those corrections At times, this will necessitate punitive measures so that our children understand the seriousness of their disobedience

Defeated By Godliness Through “tough love” when necessary Sometimes “natural affection” isn’t pleasant Sadly, some parents don’t believe in spanking disobedient children Tragically, some of these parents are Christians Certainly, such a view does not agree with what God has said in His word Prov 13:24 22:15 23: :15 Heb 12:3-11

Defeated By Godliness Through “tough love” when necessary Sometimes “natural affection” isn’t pleasant God’s proverbial wisdom refutes the nonsensical theory “I love my children too much to spank them!” cp. Prov 13:24 If parents do not restrain disobedient children, they’ll not have God’s approval cp. 1 Sam 3:13 2:12-17, 22-25

Defeated By Godliness Through “tough love” when necessary We need to view child-rearing as a “process” A time-consuming “process” that will at times involve discipline In this “process” there is plenty of time for our children to understand… …the ground rules explained to them to the extent they can comprehend them

Defeated By Godliness Through “tough love” when necessary We need to view child-rearing as a “process” A time-consuming “process” that will at times involve discipline In this “process” there is plenty of time for our children to understand… …the reasons we (their parents) have for their behavioral requirements

Defeated By Godliness Through “tough love” when necessary We need to view child-rearing as a “process” A time-consuming “process” that will at times involve discipline In this “process” there is plenty of time for our children to understand… …the serious consequences for their disobedience

Defeated By Godliness Through “tough love” when necessary We need to view child-rearing as a “process” A time-consuming “process” that will at times involve discipline The keys in this “process” are CONSISTENCY and FAIRNESS

Some Closing Thoughts… God is the ultimate “Family Planner” As the Father, He brings the bride to her husband Gen 2:21-24 As the Giver of all life, He blesses a couple with children Psa 127:3, 5a As such, He is the One who decides how a family should behave

Some Closing Thoughts… God is the ultimate “Family Planner” What we do with our family in this life is our concern Especially re: our children They need affection, teaching, and at times discipline

Some Closing Thoughts… Giving our children “natural affection” will help protect them from an unloving and uncaring world It will also help prepare them for a future spiritual relationship with God through Christ