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Tune into the podcast today for a special Mother's Day edition of our How Stuff Works series, as we explore how exactly a healthy family works!

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How Healthy Families Work (Mother’s Day Message)

Series: How Stuff Works | Message Theme: Biblical Family Health

Overview:

Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate, honor, and reflect. But it also surfaces a truth we all need to acknowledge: there are no perfect families. The Bible is full of flawed family dynamics—jealousy, rivalry, favoritism, rebellion—and yet, God still worked through those families to accomplish His purposes. This message explores how even in our mess, God calls us toward something better: the pursuit of a healthy family. Not perfect—healthy.

This Mother’s Day message outlines three biblical traits that characterize healthy families. These traits are not reserved for "ideal" households but are accessible to any family that’s willing to trust God, lean into His Word, and do the work.

Dysfunction in the Bible: You’re Not Alone

Before we dive into healthy family traits, it’s important to recognize that dysfunction is nothing new. The Bible gives us raw and honest pictures of broken family systems:

• Adam & Eve’s family: Jealousy led to murder (Genesis 4). Cain couldn’t handle being overshadowed by his brother Abel.
• Isaac & Rebekah’s family: Favoritism and deception led to betrayal (Genesis 27). Jacob and Esau’s rivalry split their household.
• David & Bathsheba’s family: Lust and abuse of power caused trauma, loss, and rebellion (2 Samuel 11-15).
• Zebedee’s family (James & John): Even Jesus' disciples struggled with ambition and pride (Mark 10:35-37; Luke 9:54).

These examples remind us that family pain is part of the human experience. But they also reveal that God works with broken people to tell a story of redemption.

Trait #1: Families Who Are Jesus-Centered

Healthy families don’t center around trends—they center around truth. That truth is Jesus.

Why it matters:

• Every family is centered on something—money, sports, school, success, or even the family itself.
• When Jesus is the center, God’s Word becomes the foundation, and the Holy Spirit empowers the people in the family to grow and serve.

What it looks like:

• Time: Prioritizing church, small groups, and faith-based community.
• Finances: Giving generously, and including kids in those conversations.
• Atmosphere: Creating a culture of worship, spiritual conversation, and daily discipleship at home.

Key Scripture:

Deuteronomy 6:4-9...