By Theresa Rosario
Building a family centered around Christ is something we truly aspire to do. It's about creating a home that radiates love, support, and Christian values—in essence, a home overflowing with the glory of God. Although we have not yet arrived, I believe my family and I have discovered some essential components that helped guide us. Today, we will take a broad look at these key components and over the next several posts, we, as a family, will take a deep dive into each of them. So stay tuned and let's get started!
1.) Forgiveness
I know firsthand that conflict is inevitable. In our family, misunderstandings and disagreements are just part of living life together. As a mom, I strive to create an atmosphere where forgiveness is the norm, allowing us to let go of grudges and heal from any hurts. When someone makes a mistake, I see it as an opportunity to show grace—the same kind of grace that Christ affords to us.
2.) Selflessness
Understandably, selflessness is a difficult characteristic to acquire because we live in a world that tells us to focus on our own needs and desires. Self-help is probably one of the biggest trends today. (You don't find shelves in Barnes & Noble labeled "Others Help".) But in our Christ-centered family, we should be thinking of others first and thinking of ourselves less. How do our actions affect those around us? Small acts of kindness and mindfulness can make a significant difference in creating a loving atmosphere at home.
3.) Understanding
Understanding each other is essential. I know we all have our quirks and struggles, so I make it a priority to really listen and appreciate other's perspectives. At the beginning, I was not as good at this. But in all humility, I asked the Lord to help me grow in this area and He was faithful. When it came to my kids this was easy. With my husband, this was not so easy, LOL! However, I committed to growing! Practicing patience and compassion, especially during tough times, goes a long way. When my family feels valued and heard, it not only helps us resolve conflicts but also builds a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
4.) Sacrificial Love
Sacrificial love is the type of love Jesus exemplified constantly; putting others first. My life verse has become Romans 12:1, "Therefore, I urge you brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." In our family, it means being willing to make sacrifices for one another, whether it's taking on extra chores, giving up free time, or supporting a loved ones dreams—this becomes worship to the Lord. Is it easy? No! But it is worth it? Absolutely!
5.) Service
Although we didn't intentionally build our family with service in mind, we have always been a family on mission for Christ. I believe there are so many ways we can serve together—whether it's volunteering at our church (this was our family's primary way), doing community service, or simply lending a hand to a neighbor in need. By doing these things as a family, we are representing unity in love to the world and creating lasting memories that strengthen our bond.
6.) Honor
Of course, one of the ten commandments is to honor your father and mother but wouldn't you know, honor is a two-way street. Yes, kids must honor their parents. But guess what? We as parents must also honor them. This mutual love and respect creates a foundation of trust and healthy communication, making it easier for us all to feel safe and cherished within the family.
7.) Fun! (In other words, Joy)
You can't forget about having fun especially on Sundays! Family dinners on Sunday are always the best in the Rosario home. Taking that day to relax and enjoy each other's company is crucial for us. Whether we're attending church, eating some delicious food, or simply playing games at home, these moments cultivate authentic fellowship and create a sense of joy. Our Sunday fun not only strengthens our relationships but also reminds us to celebrate this wonderful gift of family.
As I mentioned at the beginning, we will be taking each of these 7 key components to a Christ-centered family and going deeper into how they can practically be lived out in your own lives and in your spheres of influence so stick around! By keeping these values at the heart of our family, I know we're creating a nurturing environment that reflects the love of Christ. I'm excited to continue this journey and build a family that thrives on these principles and I look forward to hearing from all of you as you learn to live on mission for the glory of God!
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